Lionfish in a 110gal FOWR
- Thread starter kittyhazelton
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large damsels may work but you won't get very many. try heniocus dutterflies or addis butterflies or the larger chromis or anthias or squirrel fish.
A harlequin tusk would work well for you. They are a full bodied fish so the moray and the lion won't see it as a food source. They don't require the swimming room that the larger, more active wrasses require, and they don't have the aggression of the typical wrasse, and are not as nippy as the damsels.
Just a thought...I am a HUGE fan of the harlequin and I think more people should give them a try in these types of setups.
Just a thought...I am a HUGE fan of the harlequin and I think more people should give them a try in these types of setups.
I'd go with one.... if you know of a place that sells 'em for less than $100
I'm really hesitant with spending alot of money on fish that I/or people I know haven't kept. Lions I've kept, eels I've kept, but how hardy are the Harlequins? I've never kept one so I'm not experienced with thier needs.
I'm really hesitant with spending alot of money on fish that I/or people I know haven't kept. Lions I've kept, eels I've kept, but how hardy are the Harlequins? I've never kept one so I'm not experienced with thier needs.
KenyanSandBoa;1032523; said:
You could get away with a Harlequin Tusk with a lion. Although the have a truly menacing appearance (i.e. scary blue grill) they are actually rather docile for a large wrasse. Mine only is only an ass at feeding time 
They never stop moving and are an excellent "showfish" and as far as color. . . .IMO. . .it doesn't really get much better than a tusk
and if you wanted to try it. . .you could probably run a Lunare Wrasse in there to. Eventually he would get a little big for the 110 but from my experience they don't get THAT big overnight. They tend to be more aggressive than a tusk but they are also not over $100 lol.
My tusk was a gift ,as were all my saltwater fish (except my moray)
A decent Lunare Wrasse will usually run you $20-$40, at least around here anyway.
As far as damsels with the lion or eel. Most are fine as far as not being dinner. They are ninjas for the most part and are really fast and agile. And I'd hate to say it but if one ocassionaly does make a wrong turn and is eaten. . .they are easilly replaced. I'd stay away from the huge really pissed off damsels like dominos, velvets, and sergeant majors. From my experience not many fish enjoy having them around as tank mates in a tank that small. Too big and too angry. Go with smaller more slightly laid back ones like YTBlues, Goldbellies, Bluefins and my personal favorite Talbot's. Yes you're bound to lose one eventually when your lion is bigger but that's the price you pay for your lion's safety and comfort.
Other wrasses you could look at are . . .
(these are all typically more docile than a big Lunare)
Sixbar or Hardwicke Wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke)
Paddlefin Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum)
Pinkface Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
Red Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard)
They never stop moving and are an excellent "showfish" and as far as color. . . .IMO. . .it doesn't really get much better than a tusk and if you wanted to try it. . .you could probably run a Lunare Wrasse in there to. Eventually he would get a little big for the 110 but from my experience they don't get THAT big overnight. They tend to be more aggressive than a tusk but they are also not over $100 lol.
My tusk was a gift ,as were all my saltwater fish (except my moray)
A decent Lunare Wrasse will usually run you $20-$40, at least around here anyway.
As far as damsels with the lion or eel. Most are fine as far as not being dinner. They are ninjas for the most part and are really fast and agile. And I'd hate to say it but if one ocassionaly does make a wrong turn and is eaten. . .they are easilly replaced. I'd stay away from the huge really pissed off damsels like dominos, velvets, and sergeant majors. From my experience not many fish enjoy having them around as tank mates in a tank that small. Too big and too angry. Go with smaller more slightly laid back ones like YTBlues, Goldbellies, Bluefins and my personal favorite Talbot's. Yes you're bound to lose one eventually when your lion is bigger but that's the price you pay for your lion's safety and comfort.
Other wrasses you could look at are . . .
(these are all typically more docile than a big Lunare)
Sixbar or Hardwicke Wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke)
Paddlefin Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum)
Pinkface Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum)
Red Coris Wrasse (Coris gaimard)
KenyanSandBoa;1032523; said:
Agreed Harlequins Rock!!!!!!!
ROFL. . .I didn't see your reply until after I wrote mine.kittyhazelton;1033700; said:
Heh yeah finding one for under a $100 is the fun part. Like I said mine was free.
As far as durability. . .
Harlequins are extremely hardy. (as are most large wrasses) Provided you get a good specimen they are rather easy to keep.
Stake one out that's been around somewhere for at least a few weeks.
Have them feed him in front of you of course.
From my own experience with them at home and at work. If they come in in good shape and they are eating they are wonderfully hardy. They however are extremely intelligent fish, one reason I'm such a big fan, so you must exercise some care with a "fresh" specimen in acclimating him. I.E. good hiding spot until he's used to people etc. So as a consumer. . . buy one that's "been around a while" and is already pigging out.
Mostly because they are a big investment, all be it a great one, and typically a tusk that's been around for weeks. . .will be around with you for years.
