Pairs or Solo?

[*LouiseC*]

Im looking at stocking for my 50g 4ft tank and have some questions about how many of each fish is best to keep them happy and less aggressive.
Originally I was looking at

1 x Ocellaris Clownfish
1 x Royal Gramma
1 x Purple Firefish
1 x Watchman Goby
1 x Tailspot Blenny
1 x Bangaii Cardinal

But ive been told the Clownfish, Firefish and Bangaii Cardinal would be better in pairs. I originally wanted one of each so I would have trouble with fry (im not keen on the idea of them being eaten either) and also so I could have more variety. However if thats not possible ill have pairs to keep them happy.
From old topics ive been reading on here all 3 can get aggressive when kept in pairs or groups. Even killing each other.
So much mixed info and im not one to test the theory as id be upset if one got killed.

Can anyone clarify about these 3 fish being kept solo happily or will tbey be miserable?
Appreciate any replies thanks

 

[NoWaiAma]

My very limited knowledge but researching the same. Goby - fine solo. Clown - fine solo some prefer the interaction of 2 but sometimes issues with bullying. Firefish- didn’t research. Blenny- fine solo. (I want two of these personally)

 

[*LouiseC*]

Thanks I plan on just one of most but not sure about the Bangaii Cardinal, Purple Firefish or Clownfish. So much conflicting info....

 

[NoWaiAma]

Yea. A lot of “what works for you”. I’m doing a mated pair of clowns personally. And hoping the female isn’t a tank bully

 

[BellaD]

I wanted to have a little school of Firefish in my 55 gallon reef tank because their colors are just so vibrant. However, I came across the same problem of conflicting information. A lot of people stated that they had a school of them for years without any issues, but than suddenly they were left with only one. I personally have heard more negative outcomes than positives when it comes to Firefish so I've been reluctant to try it.

As for the Clownfish I have a Maroon and a Tomato (In separate tanks) by themselves and they seem very content not having to share their anemones with another Clown.

I do not have the Bangaii Cardinals, however I do have the Pajamas in a school of four. They get along okay for the most part, but there is definitely a dominance pecking order. I have noticed the occasional chasing and nipping, which I'm not too thrilled with, but nothing too savage. My personal opinion would be that all three of the species you mentioned would be perfectly happy in a tank without a companion of the same species.

 

[*LouiseC*]

Id honestly prefer one of each and ive seen so many clowns on their own but then ive got people telling me definitely paired. Its a FOWLR tank but id like to try an anemone plus a few others down the track so hoping the clownfish would be ok by itself.
Same with the firefish. Most tanks ive seen (online) theyre on their own.
The Bangaiis seem a little harder they are meant to be meaner than the pajamas too. Again I'd rather the one on its own but I dont want miserable or stressed fish....

 

[NoWaiAma]

I think the singles of what you mentioned are far less stressed solo/ less risk. Not any that are definitive schoolers I don’t think? Try it.

 

[SurfLife]

I originally wanted one of each so I would have trouble with fry (im not keen on the idea of them being eaten either)

But my fish tell me clown fry is really tasty

 

[*LouiseC*]

But my fish tell me clown fry is really tasty

Noooo lol mine will have to suck it up and stick with what they get lol

Im really excited that one of each might be possible now. More variety, no fry and hopefully less aggression!

 

[*LouiseC*]

If I go with this

1 x Ocellaris Clownfish
1 x Royal Gramma
1 x Purple Firefish
1 x Watchman Goby
1 x Tailspot Blenny
1 x Bangaii Cardinal

Do you think thats fully stocked? (50g 4ft)

 

[*LouiseC*]

.

 

[NoWaiAma]

I personally think a pair of clowns is so much more enjoyable. Tailspot blenny s are cool but why not bi color? Or at that tank size a lawnmower ?

 

[*LouiseC*]

I dont doubt it but as long as they're happy on their own id rather not have the worry of fry. I dont want to breed them and hate the idea of the fry getting eaten

I like the bi color but having the Royal Gramma ive got a similar type. I really dislike the look of the lawnmowers sadly. I really like the look of the orange spotted blennies though so looking at those.

 

[vector824]

Have two clowns is fun to watch. I also have a royal gramma and they all buddy up and swim around around together. Stock list looks good with some nice variety in there.

 

[Jesterrace]

Firefish together can be trouble. They usually don't co-exist very well (even different variety firefish).

 

[SurfLife]

I am curious. Has anyone out there had a pair of clowns in a community of other fish and inverts ever see the fry? I would think the inverts and other fish would be on it before we would have a chance to even notice it.