Round fish for a IM 15g Nuvo

[benthicBarbarian]

Hello everyone! I’m currently freshwater guy looking into dipping my toes in the world of saltwater! For my first tank I wanted to set up an Innovative Marine 15 Nuvo AIO tank, thinking about just doing macro algae and hearty soft corals. I’m in the very early stages of researching and I’m currently looking into fish!

I’ve always fallen in love with tangs, angelfish, and butterflyfish. I would love to have my own but I’m aware these species need lots of space and dedication. The AIO I’ve chosen is obviously wayyy too small but it’s the biggest I for my budget. Even if I did get a juvenile of these species, it still feels so wrong to put one in a tank that small

I was wondering if there was a nano species that was small, mid swimming, had the general deep/round body shape of a tang or a butterfly fish, and could fit in this tank forever?

i apologize if this is a stupid question, I just really like these fish. I know cherubs and flame-backs are out of the question due to them being active. I also thought of cardinals At one point but learned while they do hover in place, they are nocturnal and can zip around a tank fast. Damsels are cool but not what I’m looking for and the citron/green gobies are bottom dwellers which is also something I’m not looking for. Possum wrasse are cute but super expensive and hard to keep from what I’ve heard.

 

[tzabor10]

Turbo snails.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

Sounds like you have done your research. My 15g definitely does not have any activity in it. I have a firefish and tailspot blenny, and they never swim around much.

And yes, you definitely don't want to put a juvenile tang or butterfly into the tank.

 

[benthicBarbarian]

Turbo snails.

thanks for the clean-up-crew suggestion! Not exactly what I’m looking for

 

[doubleshot00]

I have a springeri damsel, tailspot blenny and a possum wrasse in my im15. The wrasse hides the most.

The damsel is aways out.

 

[benthicBarbarian]

Sounds like you have done your research. My 15g definitely does not have any activity in it. I have a firefish and tailspot blenny, and they never swim around much.

And yes, you definitely don't want to put a juvenile tang or butterfly into the tank.

Thank you for responding! I just really want something that looks like a tang or butterfly that comfortably fit in my tank. I was just wondering if there was a mystery fish I haven’t heard about that fits my specifications.

Your tank looks really pretty btw!!

 

[benthicBarbarian]

I have a springeri damsel, tailspot blenny and a possum wrasse in my im15. The wrasse hides the most.

The damsel is aways out.

Oooooo the springeri damsel looks gorgeous! Like a swimming sapphire! Even though I said no damsels, I’m gonna keep your suggestion in the back of my mind.

Thanks!

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

banggai cardinals sort of similar body shape of angelfish and can fit in your tank...

 

[doubleshot00]

Oooooo the springeri damsel looks gorgeous! Like a swimming sapphire! Even though I said no damsels, I’m gonna keep your suggestion in the back of my mind.

Thanks!

They are pretty chill compared to other damsel species. I have 6 in my 90. Everyone else picks in them.

And one in my wb20 and my clown tries to kill him daily.

 

[doubleshot00]

banggai cardinals sort of similar body shape of angelfish and can fit in your tank...

This was my original plan for my nanos but the get HUGE.

 

[WalkerLovesTheOcean]

This was my original plan for my nanos but the get HUGE.

They get 3in... that's pretty standard for a nano fish...

 

[CO2TLEY]

Take a look at pink streaked wrasse as well

 

[benthicBarbarian]

Take a look at pink streaked wrasse as well

Pink streaks look soooo cute! Aren’t they extremely active?

 

[benthicBarbarian]

banggai cardinals sort of similar body shape of angelfish and can fit in your tank...

That was my initial idea. I then learned they can very adventurous at night. Maybe if I got one???

 

[benthicBarbarian]

They are pretty chill compared to other damsel species. I have 6 in my 90. Everyone else picks in them.

And one in my wb20 and my clown tries to kill him daily.

Awww poor springie . I also hear pretty good things about the azure damsel!

 

[benthicBarbarian]

I did some digging and found out about the white spotted Pygmy filefish (Rudarius ercodes).

They grow to about two inches and, being a file fish, just hover and drift! What do y’all think?

 

[slingfox]

There is only one right answer to this question: Get a bigger tank

 

[benthicBarbarian]

There is only one right answer to this question: Get a bigger tank

HAHA! Oh silly pookie bear, I’m poor~

I am not putting down more than $125 for an aio. If you know any bigger ones for a cheaper price AND good quality, hit me up bb!

 

[JayM]

Clown goby?