Check out my catope & a BJF question

Here are a couple of pictures of my most dedicated fish-keeping companion:

Just Fishing Photo by nurka_a | Photobucket
&
Improved Canope - Catope Photo by nurka_a | Photobucket

Also, I've seen this being done before and hope it works - please talk me out of getting a blue spotted jaw fish. It's such a cool fish I've been thinking of adding for half a year now, at least, but given the fact that I have a 6-line wrasse now (hurray), a somewhat-aggressive damsel and a couple of euphyllias, which I LOVE, I really should not get a BSJF, right? it would be the last guy added...

 

Not one of the fish I'd recommend unless you can provide it a cooler tank and a VDSB. They are also poor shippers and often will die without any previous warning. If you're going to get one anyway, look to sources like LiveAquaria's Diver's Den since these specimens have been in their care for extended periods of time and therefore most likely better suited to captive life.

Also, I would punish your cat and not allow him to do that. That way it associates the tank with a negative and leaves it well enough alone. Adding random amounts of stress to your tank and canopy is not advisable and could end in disaster. Also, what is preventing your cat from attempting to enter the tank while you are away?

 

Well BSJs are can certainly hold their own. He rules my 28 nano, no question about it. So I wouldn't worry there. They do require a couple of things though. First is a cooler tank as they are from cooler Mexican waters. . You should keep temps around 76°F year round if at all possible.

They are massive sand movers. Your sand will not look anything like it does now. The back of your tank will be bare and the front will have it piled up. You need to provide shells and other building materials for them to make burrows. They will dump sand all over your corals. Most corals are fine, although Euphyllias such as your Frogspawn do not do well when sand gets on them. I lost a good size frag from my BSJ digging around the frag that was in the sand, knocking it over.

They are very good jumpers; a 100% enclosed top is a must. Not even a 1/4" gap.

From what I have seen, they need spirulina in their diet. I feed mine OSI spirulina flakes at least once a week.

I think that is about it. Feel free to ask any more questions if you have any!

 

Good to know about shipping PanFish, thank you. That was definitely a concern as it would come all the way from CA. As far as the cat... no way he'll stay away, but the tank is secure - I have a double canapé and the acrylic one is very heavy. Fishes shouldn't be stressed, they don't know it's a predator, they kinda ignore him... might be entertained a little.

 

Thanks Marshall! I wouldn't mind the rearrangement in the tank (I do that constantly) but would hate to loose my frogspawn... wouldn't it be safe up in the rock? I don't really have any corals in the sand, other than those that fall when not well glued... but I can see how the constant sand storm would irritate many corals.

 

pictures are too cute!

In terms of the BSJ, they are the coolest looking fish - I am with you on that! I have heard mixed reviews in terms of keeping them alive but when they do well, I don't think there's many fish out there that have such an awesome look to them......

If it's something you've always wanted and are prepared to arrange things to accommodate it, then I say go for it!

 

Thank you!
Agree, the BSJF is one awesome fish! but I'm really hoping I'll control myself and not buy it, as hard and sad as it is. Keeping the temperatures cooler might be one the hardest things to accomplish, as it seems that my frogspawn prefers is warm (must be a girl When I tried taking the temp down 2 degrees it got all shriveled up. So it's either froggy or the BSJ
It also says you have to feed them 3 times a day on-line. The LFS says that's not necessary, but they say different things sometimes...

 

If you do decide to get one, don't order it online unless the extra $30 you'll spend is a true concern. Fintastic gets enough in on a regular basis, you can get one locally and get a healthy specimen. I have had multiple BSJF, and currently have one. Never had issues with temp (80*). They need to eat just like every other fish. I feed my fish once daily...they are feisty, and hold their own during feedings. I have some aggressive eaters, and he fairs perfectly fine. They have the best personality of any fish I've ever seen. So, go ahead...you know you want one!

EDIT: I've also kept one for over a year in a bare bottom tank...not recommended, but a DSB isn't necessary. Just as long as they have something to build a "cave" of sorts to provide a sense of security for them.

 

Thanks! The personal experience is really helpful. I haven't had issues with Fintastic fish, other than a couple of damsels - 2 out of 3 died on the second day but that only happened once. All the corals were always great too. However, their price for this fish is really high compared to some other sources, something like $80 diff, before the shipping of course
Also, I just read somewhere, they're really prone to disease, forget the name. But again, any fish is...

 

Blue Spotted Jawfish disease

I was lucky enough to get a very healthy specimen.