Fish Decision NOW!

I would vote no. If you were already re-established I'd say go for it. But with as many challenges as you already have to overcome getting the tank set up and the nps happy. I wouldn't take on another challenge at this time.

 

I'd be too afraid myself Andy, sorry.

They're neat fish for sure, but I think any/all SPS will hate you later.

 

Thank you both for your comments.

Scott, I 1000% agree with you. That is why I asked this question to begin with...I know the hurdles ahead, and that is why I am second guessing here. On the other hand, everything I am stocking in this tank (with the exception of Chromis viridis) is "not seen often, or at all". And these definitely fit in that category.

Hunter, afraid? You callin' me chicken?! I am hesitant. I haven't mentioned it to the wife yet...debating on whether I will or not...but if I do, I will have two new Oxymonacanthus longirostris on Saturday for sure. She loves these guys too. She saw the bonded pair that sold 2 nights ago, and punched me in the arm...and not one of those "Middle School punching-is-good" punches.

I did talk with my LFS, and they have about 10 mini colonies that have started to STN, or have algae growing on the base that they will let go very cheap...so I do have that if I decide to go against peoples better judgement.

 

You might not have another chance but at the same time these fish arnt cheep either, I would try to think of overall health vs temp enjoy. but that being said if you have back up plans for food then go for it!!!

 

My vote is no. I had one eating Nutramar Ova. It's and awesome fish, but it started picking at my LPS. It didn't do any outright damage, but it picked enough that all of my Acans and some other LPS closed up tight (my tank was predominantly LPS at the time). To the point where they would have all died from not being able to function properly. It started slowly at first, but after a while, the OSFF was relentless. I've seen them in SPS reef tanks, but I think you would need a BIG tank to spread out the love that they give your coral, especially two of them.

 

Its a Coral VS Fish Choice really...

Personally I would say do it.. But I am a fish person. I recently just went up to the coral farm to pick up two new fish tuesday

 

Thanks for all that replied with advice. Have decided to wait...for a single. I will get one, and try to keep it on prepared foods. Focus, for now, will be to stock up with my current list of goodies, and as soon as I come across a single Oxymonacanthus longirostris, I am grabbing it.

 

Just to clarify, I am not worried about my corals. As much as I feed, I believe I can keep this species healthy through prepared foods longterm.

 

Wow...Mods were on that. 6:00PM, and I am in Tropical Fish Forum.

 

We have a LFS in town who regularly gets these fish eatng pellets. He keeps his in his softy tanks. Usually like 6 or so in a 80g tank. Awesome fish though.