"stay the course" v. "cut and run" pseudochromis aldabraensis
This post is for two reasons: 1) props to rob, 2) for new people.
I am now convinced that my fish is part of the Iraqi insurgency. I have a P. aldabraensis also known as the arabian dottyback, or neon dottyback. This fish is insane! I have never seen a more aggressive fish, well, maybe a great white. So far, the death toll has reached 3: one sarlet hermit, and two nass snails. It was going Guantanmo Bay on a brand new turbo snail when i have finally made my decision: cut and run.
The turbo snail is 3 times the size of the damn fish but it still was taking chunks of flesh off of it. I think i am at my wits end with this fish.
So how is this a prop for rob?
Rob mentioned the importance of planning your tank for the long term in an earlier podcast. Choosing what fish you will want, making a list and researching these critters. YES! Listen to rob and stick to your list! I did make a list: royal gramma and some tubeworms, but when i went to the LFS they did not have a gramma. So, the dude talked me into my current fish, which, as it turned out, is part of a secret fish death squad. I don't think the LFS tricked me, they just wanted to make a sale. I did not stick to my plan and now i am paying the price.
My strategy now is to no longer stay the course. I am going to trade this crazy thing in for a gramma.
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
lol.. yes, i have been there... darn little blue devil damsel was the one that got me, destroyed my tank (digging) and harassed every fish i had. i had to tear down my whole tank to catch the...the.. not nice fish....
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I understand your pain. My fish was the gold striped maroon clown. WOW was it aggressive, it got booted after drawing blood on my arm. It ended up going to a friends tank with another GSM clown and the last I heard it was happy in a species only tank starting to do mating dances.
My remaining fish all healed up after it left, making both places better!
Pseudochromis aldabraensis...Oh yeah... beautiful fish.. (as are most dottybacks) but ornery as all heck. They are known for smashing the tar out of smaller fish and have a fond appetite for ornamental shrimp. They're not as well known for harming crabs and snails, but I've seen the buggers in a "frenzy" and wouldn't put it past them.
Like I said, the dottybacks can be a very nice addition to certain tanks, but each is NOT like the other. You do need to research. Any good Marine Fish ID book is a good start, but practical experience and/or information from "those who have been there" is best.
Here's a great article on the dottybacks from Reefkeeping Magazine, authored by Henry C. Schultz III :
Maybe it just needs more disciplinary action.
That's it dottyback! Go wait in the hall!
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
One dude at the LFS was pretty surprised the dotty was so aggressive. He couldn't imagine it taking on a turbo snail. Hey Walrus, maybe you can feed him to your dragons? I'd keep an eye on the dragons though, they might sustain some damage
__________________ Samuel
"If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.... There is magic in it. Let the most absent-minded men be plunged in his deepest reveries--stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region."
icon under there name and give them Reputation points
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