What can you tell me about Frogfish?

[Nomi]

I've never had SW before, but I'm very interested in starting one in the near future after I move out.

One option I am interested in is keeping a frogfish along with some hardy corals. I've mostly been looking at Antennarius maculatus (warty frogfish) or Antennarius pictus (painted frogfish) because of their relatively small size. I'm really looking for a fish that can live happily in an aquarium 20-30 gallions, so if you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them.

What little I know is that they prefer live, but can accept dead/frozen meaty food, cannot be kept with smaller fish or invertebrates, and are generally reef safe but can perch on coral.

Other than that, what else do I need to know? Any other dietary requirements? what are their water requirements? What sort of filtration/size of sump will I need? What easy corals will do well with them? Are there any tankmates that can fit alongside a small frogfish in a 30 gallon aquarium?

Thank you for any information you have!

 

[Nomi]

I may be going crazy here, but what about a divided 30-40 gallon housing a frog fish on one side and a simple nano reef on the other? Have the divider be perforated to allow for flow?

 

[Zoodiver]

Personally, I'd start with easier SW fish to keep, then move up to that.

 

[Nomi]

Most of what I've read has frogfish as 'easy-moderate' in care, but of course I am willing to wait until I have more experience to keep one. What exactly makes their care less than beginner friendly? Is it mostly their feeding requirements, or tolerance of water quality fluctuations?

Any suggestions for a good beginner oddball marine?

 

[Zoodiver]

Getting one that is established in a tank and eating is hard to find. Most places selling them just caught them. They'll last a couple weeks, then slowly wither away.

 

[FLESHY]

Personally, I'd start with easier SW fish to keep, then move up to that.

+1

 

[Nomi]

Ah, thank you.