Thoughts on adding 2 more pyramid butterflies when there's one established already?

jessezm · Jul 23, 2019

Hi all, just thought I'd reach out here for opinions/experience/advice. I've got a 150g display (350g total) with the following fish:

-white tail bristle tooth tang
-Yellow pyramid butterfly
-Flame wrasse pair
-Lineatus wrasse (super male)
-transitioning rhomboid wrasse
-clown pair
-2 long spined cardinals
-six line wrasse
-Swallowtail angel pair

I don't plan on adding many more fish at this point, at least not large ones, but I like the idea of a couple more pyramids since they're such active swimmers and are so bright and interesting. Anyhow, I'm wondering if there are any contraindications or warnings I should be aware of before I pick up a couple more, as they are currently available at a lot of my local shops this week.

Does anyone have experience adding more of this species when there's already an established resident? Thanks!

saltyhog · Jul 23, 2019

Great question. I don't really know the answer. I had 3 in my tank at one time but I QT'd them together and added them all at the same time.

jessezm · Jul 23, 2019

LOL we have all the same fish!

saltyhog · Jul 23, 2019

I didn't even look at your list very closely! We do have a lot of the same fish...lineatus , check...white tail bristle tooth, check....flame wrasse, check...clown pair, check......pyramid butterflies, check. ;Happy

JMM744 · Jul 23, 2019

jessezm said:
LOL we have all the same fish!

How long has the single been in the display? If not too long I wouldn’t think much of adding a couple more. Might use an acclimation box just to be safe but I don't think it’s necessary. They are very pretty fish and very active as you stated.

jessezm · Jul 24, 2019

He's been in there for about 6 months i'd say, so not exactly new... I figured an acclimation box might be the way to do it, but I find that these guys get really spooked when they're confined and can injure their mouths pretty easily trying to hide/escape. Once I shined a light in the tank at night and scared mine, and he literally went bananas lol. Had some marks but no lasting damage. I just don't think it's a great way to start out.

I'll go next week to see if the stores have any really healthy looking ones and maybe I'll just give it a shot.

jessezm · Jul 24, 2019

saltyhog said:
I didn't even look at your list very closely! We do have a lot of the same fish...lineatus , check...white tail bristle tooth, check....flame wrasse, check...clown pair, check......pyramid butterflies, check. ;Happy

I had I watanabei pair too, until the female took a liking to one of my acros... I think I spotted one in your vid as well. Great minds, I"ll tell ya

Angel_Anthias lover · Jul 24, 2019

I doubt adding 2 more will be much of a problem as they are social fish, a hierarchy will be created but the agression would be put over 2 fish rather than 1 so id say it would be ok, kinda like adding more anthias to an established one i guess.

saltyhog · Jul 24, 2019

jessezm said:
He's been in there for about 6 months i'd say, so not exactly new... I figured an acclimation box might be the way to do it, but I find that these guys get really spooked when they're confined and can injure their mouths pretty easily trying to hide/escape. Once I shined a light in the tank at night and scared mine, and he literally went bananas lol. Had some marks but no lasting damage. I just don't think it's a great way to start out.

I'll go next week to see if the stores have any really healthy looking ones and maybe I'll just give it a shot.

Angel_Anthias lover said:
I doubt adding 2 more will be much of a problem as they are social fish, a hierarchy will be created but the agression would be put over 2 fish rather than 1 so id say it would be ok, kinda like adding more anthias to an established one i guess.

I agree, this is one fish I would not put in an acclimation box due to their high propensity for mouth injuries. Let us know how it goes.

They are pretty laid back. I actually had all 3 of mine in a 10 gallon during QT (TTM).