i am trying to think of the show fish i want for my tank. i was thinking of the following: blue throat trigger, sohal tang, harlequin tusk (do they just eat shrimp or what?) or can i get some other non tang and angel suggestions if anyone has them. guess that doesnt leave much
If I had the right tank, the right mind, and lots of free cash... I would have a goldflake angel (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus) as my "centerpiece" or showfish. They are amazing!! They are sort of kind of rare in the hobby.
They grow to 8-9 Inches long and do best in a tank over 100 US Gallons. They need lots of places to hide or they will keep out of sight. The more "comfy" they feel, the more they stay out, in the viewing area of your display.
They are omnivores, eating marine algaes, prepared alga foods, (spirulina flake, nori sheets etc.) ,micro crustaceans (mysid, pods), and, since they are true angels, marine sponge. If you want to keep sponge, this is not the fish for you. If you want to keep the fish, you need to get a marine food with sponge in it, such as Ocean Nutrition's Angel Foods.
Just as with any "angel", short of the dwarves like flames, they can be agressive. Best to add this fish last to your system.
Great choice David, one of my favorite, fairly reef safe Angels. They can be pricey. Expect to pay over a hundred for a small (2 to 3") or more. I have a friend, Sharon, that has one and it is striking in her tank. Here's a pic of her Gold Flake.
Hers is not aggressive and has left her corals, shrooms and zoas alone.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
Awe....purdy... I just love the blue lip stick and dark mascara... reminds me of that country song that goes.. "I like my women just a little on the trashy side"
I really like the Blue Throat Trigger. In fact I really want one. I love the way they look and the way they move. Unfortunately, my tank is not suited to one.
I don't have my show fish yet but I do like the fish I have. For me it is the wow/cool/ooh-ah factor. It is going to be a "jewel" that will draw your eye by shape/pattern/color/behavior.
what is exactly considered a "show fish"?....color, size, price?...what is the determining factor?
It's really about personal choice and perception. Colors and pattern, sure. Size, maybe but, remember your tank's limitations. Price, yes and no, depends on the fish. There are many "show" fish that are totally inappropriate for our tanks not even considering size limitations. As an example, an Emperator Angel would be a great show fish but not in a reef tank. It bowls down to what is available that is appropriate for MY tank and be showie, peaceful and take a prominent place in the hierarchy of the tank.
Your Sailfin is a good example of a "show" fish, Dreams.
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.