Top Dwelling Fish?

[Ricox]

Hey guys have an red sea e260 but just looking for ideas for some top dwelling fish. All of my fish spend majority of the time around or under the rockwork. I wouldn't mind something schooling as well. I have considered Chromis and lyretail anthias as well as maybe a fairy/flasher wrasse. Anyone have any experiences with those. I think display is about 70g for those wondering. I have a large amount of hiding places and caves. I am cautious as I am quite heavily stocked but would really love for some fish to occupy the top area of my tank. Thanks all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Ricox]

 

[littlefoxx]

A group of zebra dart gobies might be what youre looking for. Single ones Ive noticed tend to stay low but a group tend to stay towards the top. At least mine do

 

[Ricox]

They look pretty cool. Would firefish also school? As I am in Australia so have never seen any of the zebras come in

 

[Slocke]

chromis and anthias don’t really do well in small groups. I suggest a variety of fairy or flasher wrasse.

Tilefish are great top of the tank fish and has personality too.

 

[Slocke]

They look pretty cool. Would firefish also school? As I am in Australia so have never seen any of the zebras come in

It’s more like a colony and you’ll have fighting if you have multiple males

 

[Ricox]

chromis and anthias don’t really do well in small groups. I suggest a variety of fairy or flasher wrasse.

Tilefish are great top of the tank fish and has personality too.

In terms of fairy and flasher wrasses how many would you recommend also assuming get one of a few different types would be ok comparability wise?

 

[Ricox]

It’s more like a colony and you’ll have fighting if you have multiple males

It would likely stay around the bottom if I just get one right?

 

[Ricox]

I do have a yellow Coris wrasse which I assume should have no issue?

 

[Slocke]

In terms of fairy and flasher wrasses how many would you recommend also assuming get one of a few different types would be ok comparability wise?

Probably 3. Flashers are easy. Just 3 different species. Fairies have a chart. Here are my usual recommendations circled and my favorites highlighted.

It would likely stay around the bottom if I just get one right?

Not necessarily. Once confident they will be mid tank.

I do have a yellow Coris wrasse which I assume should have no issue?

Nope. Though it’s not a coris wrasse.

 

[vetteguy53081]

They look pretty cool. Would firefish also school? As I am in Australia so have never seen any of the zebras come in

Firefish do school as much as they hide. Chromis will bicker with each other and anthias I love but one becomes a dominant male and you will lose one or more. Dartfish school well but also jumpers

 

[littlefoxx]

They look pretty cool. Would firefish also school? As I am in Australia so have never seen any of the zebras come in

No they tend to pick on each other

 

[Ricox]

Probably 3. Flashers are easy. Just 3 different species. Fairies have a chart. Here are my usual recommendations circled and my favorites highlighted.

I appreciate all of the information. Does gender matter for the fish so would three males be compatible?

 

[Ricox]

Firefish do school as much as they hide. Chromis will bicker with each other and anthias I love but one becomes a dominant male and you will lose one or more. Dartfish school well but also jumpers

The reason for losing them mainly being aggression towards each other? If I were to get anthias how many would you reccomned and any particular species recommendations.

 

[Ricox]

Has anyone had success with the chromis? I have heard if they have more aggressive tank mates and kept in a odd numbered group of maybe 5 or 7 it might work. Also would I try to get different sized ones so they don't need to fight to establish a pecking order? Or just smaller/bigger ones

 

[Slocke]

I appreciate all of the information. Does gender matter for the fish so would three males be compatible?

Gender does not matter so long as they are different species. Wrasse all start life female and go male due to age and/or social triggers. Do be warned a male will not live as long as a female and a “super male” is usually approaching the end of its life.

 

[Ricox]

Gender does not matter so long as they are different species. Wrasse all start life female and go male due to age and/or social triggers. Do be warned a male will not live as long as a female and a “super male” is usually approaching the end of its life.

Ok, good to know. What would you recommend I look for in a fish then. Male or female? or coloration?

 

[SpunCoral]

Bar gobies no question. They spend 100% of their time at the surface. They love to jump though.

 

[Reeferbadness]

I

A group of zebra dart gobies might be what youre looking for. Single ones Ive noticed tend to stay low but a group tend to stay towards the top. At least mine do

love my dart gobies! I had 5 or 6, 2 or 3 were kamakazi jumpers (who managed to jump during times when i took off the lid and didn't notice) but the remaining 3 or 4 are great. I will get more when i have a chance. Much easier to care for than anthias (who need to eat multiple times a day or will usually die off) and chromas also seem to not last long. One other schooling top dweller that i like is pajama cardinals - hardy and fun to watch.

 

[Slocke]

Ok, good to know. What would you recommend I look for in a fish then. Male or female? or coloration?

Some species transition young. Really my advice is to not be sucked in by a pretty male or super-male that’s twice the price of a dull female. That female will gain the same colors soon enough and is more likely to be healthy and live longer