Help me pick my last fish

[pammy]

Hey all. I have a 53 gallon tank (31" x 19" x 19" with a 7 gallon sump. Right now, I have a Pygmy Possum Wrasse, a Tailspot Blenny and a purple firefish. All are very peacefull and get along great. I'll be adding a pair of clowns, most likely Ocellaris in the next few weeks. I'd like one more fish after the clowns, and I had decided on the Labouti Wrasse. I have an open tank, and I know most wrasses are jumpers, but I thought if the Labouti was put in with peaceful fish, that he may not jump. I have an Elos tank, and don't want to cover it with Eggcrate or screen. The beauty of the tank, is that it's rimless and open.

So..... should I definitely nix the idea of the Labouti? Are any other bright wrasses less likely to jump? What other fish would you suggest? I want something that is bright and colorful and will really swim the whole tank. The Possum swims in and out of the rocks constantly. The blenny is always grazing on the rock, and the firefish sticks to the lower bottom front part of the tank, so I want something that really swims a lot around the whole tank. Also want something peaceful that won't antagonize the other peaceful fish. I thought about a pygmy angel, but I know there's a good chance they can nip at corals, and some are agressive. Always wanted a tang, but obviously, can't have one because of the size of my tank. Love Mandarins, but again, they are bottom dwellers and I want something that swims around the whole tank. What would you add as the last fish? Something that everyone will oooh and aaaah over?
Thanks!
Pam

[Phurst]

I have a coral beauty that I haven't had any trouble with yet, but they can be hit or miss. My royal gramma is colorful and peaceful, and swims all over the tank, but does spend time going in and out of the rocks, and is pretty small. How about a foxface, or a copperband?

[Larry Copperband]

Lookin' for a fish that cruises the tank,won't nip corals,and fit well in a 53g....well,my first thought was a Longnose Hawkfish.No swim bladder,but they like to perch out in the open.Some consider it a jumper too.
I'd suggest a reef-safe Lamarck's Angelfish,but like most Angels, they're cute when small,then become the bully of the tank.
Guess a Copperband would fit the criteria ,if you can find a one that likes to eat.

[pammy]

Thanks Phurst and Larry. I hadn't thought about a Copperband, but just checked it out and I love it! Liveaquaria says at least 50g tank, so I'm ok there, but it grows up to 8", doesn't that seem large for a 50g? (it's 31.5" x 19.5" x 19.5"). Also says "with caution" in a reef and it might pick on invertebrates especially anenomes and feather dusters. I'm not planning on getting any anenomes, but would like some feather dusters, but I'd skip the feather dusters for this fish. Does he pick on any other invertebrates that you know of?

I believe the other two suggestions require a 70g tank or more.

Thanks!
Pam

[saltyreef]

I have a Coral Beauty in my 30 gallon and love it! Very peaceful, they stay small, and mine has not bothered the corals. It does like to nip at the Hawaiian Feather Dusters every once in a while, they close up to fast for any damage to be done.

[lReef lKeeper]

what about a small (3 sounds reasonable) school of these ...

Anthias for Sale: Sunburst, Lyretail and other Anthais

[BoB_27]

I currently have a Laboute in my open tank and he has never jump out. I use to have an Exquisite and he never jumped out either. I think you will be fine. But I have a 90 gal and a ton of hiding spaces plus peaceful fish to boot.