Lion Fish

I would like to caution you a bit further on the Mandarin- I've seen too many cases where, as they matured, they stopped accepting prepared foods and ultimately expired from starvation because the system couldn't keep up with their demand for pods. Others have died from malnutrition as the foods they accepted were inappropriate and could not sustain them long-term.

Your tank may actually be large enough to supply a Mandarin with pods; however, it may take some time for the initial population to mature and start multiplying so it doesn't get quickly depleted.

 

I totally agree - I have a 30 gallon Fuge that I will be establishing, well prior to a mandarin. I know that is a fish that is well down the road.

I am just doing a lot of reading - looking and researching right now. Thanks for the feedback. There are so many beautiful fish.

 

wooooord! radiatas are my fav. never went predator and dont plan to either though.

def. go for a dwarf lion

 

You're doing it right in terms of getting advice on type of species. I would totally defer to Greg on the lionfish recommendation. In a 100 gallon tank, you can probably do a maroon but you'll need to definitely add last and understand that it may get aggressive. Sailfins are beautiful and IME a pretty hardy tang. There are so many beautiful fish to choose from in this hobby

 

Do you like the fuzzies at all? They are crazy friendly.

Planktonic feeding (pelagic) triggers tend to do pretty well with lionfish. Xanthicthys, Melicthys, and Odonus are the genera to consider.

A fish the size of a mandarin can be eaten by a fuzzy. I suspect, however, the mandarin would be spit out in short order. The mandarin's slime is suppose to taste horrible. Can't guarantee that, of course.

Clownfish are mean. If it's not something you're super charged on getting, walk on by. Maroon clowns are even meaner than mean.

Tangs may pick if the fins are too flowy. Just something to consider.

 

Which 100 gal footprint do you have? There are 48" x 24" x 20" and 72" x 18 x 19" 100 gal tanks that are both standard dimensions. IME/IMHO, the 48" tanks are the better choice if you are still planning.

Welcome "back" Renee!

 

yay! I second that welcome back!

 

what are the specialized diet requirements for a dwarf lionfish? i was just thinking of getting one.

do they only eat live food? or can they be fed frozen?

 

So here I am again a little closer - I have a LFS that has a fuzzy that just came in. they are holding it for me as I want to see it eat, etc before I pick it up. I am thinking I am going to be putting this in my reef tank - its a juvi - currently I have 2 wrasses, pair of snowflakes and a tang -

do you think this will work?

 

Don't risk a lion in a reef. It will eat anything that fits in its mouth. Lionfish belong in predator tanks. I've learned the hard way. Thats why I have 2 tanks now