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Marine Fish Compatibility Chart
Been wondering which marine fish and mix with which other fish?
Are clownfish compatibile with blennies?
He is a simple matrix table showing the compatibility of marine fish.
Source: thereefshop
Rabbit Fish
The Rabbit Fish (family Siganidae) also known as the fox face has adapted to its natural environment with odd characteristics. It has an oval shaped body that is flat and thin. They also have two distinct similarities to the animal, the rabbit, which have given this fish its name. One is the amazing mouth that slightly protrudes, baring its sharp teeth. These teeth are used for munching on dead coral branches and flora that is found on rocks. The fish’s feeding behavior is the second of the similarities to the rabbit. It is a continuing action that gives the appearance of constant munching.
The rabbit fish is a highly diverse family of brightly colored fish that can be found along coastal areas. It is apparent that some species of the rabbit fish, particularly the Siganidae family, have a high tolerance to saline since they can also be found in brackish waters. Other species of this fish have migrated into fresh water.
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Rabbitfish are closely related to Surgeonfish, and are similarly shaped and equally colorful. They are grazers like Surgeonfish and Parrotfish, and help to keep the algae on rock surfaces down to only a millimeter or two in length. The dorsal, ventral, and anal spines of Rabbitfish are mildly venomous but extremely painful, which earned them their ironic Australian name of ‘Happy Moments’. With the exception of the Java Rabbitfish which can grown to over 50 cm a typical adult size is 25 to 30 cm (about 10 to 12 inches).
Rabbit Fish are poisonous and non-poisonous species and are very popular as aquarium specimens. One of the most popular of these is the yellow rabbit fish. This beautifully colored fish has a bright yellow body that is punctuated by a large black dot near the rear. Although it is wary of other fish in the tank it is very seldom known to attack.
Since the rabbit fish is closely related to the surgeonfish it is believed that their mating behaviors are much the same. The rabbit fish likely spawns in groups after which the eggs float on the waters surface until they have hatched.
Boxfish and porcupine fish
These fish have a distinctive appearance, and can become surprisingly tame in an aquarium surroundings. Characterized by a lack of streamlining, they can’t swim quickly to avoid danger. They do however have other means of protection, such as sharp spines of the porcupinefish.
Take special care when catching and handling these fish of this group, since many release a poisonous mucus that, in the confines of an aquarium will be deadly to themselves as well as other fishes within.
The powerful jaws and teeth reflect their natural diet of marine crustaceans and molluscs. The aquarium species require a similar diet to ensure their teeth don’t become over grown.
Batfish
These usually deep bodied batfish require at least a two foot deep and wide aquarium. Young batfish are more colourful than adults and once established in their aquarium will grow quickly.
Despite their big size they are not aggressive towards other fishes but avoid species that can nip their elaborate fins. Large batfish can be destructive in a reef aquarium.
Wrasse
Wrasses are lively, active fish found in most warm seas, though the majority come from tropical waters. They tend to be colourful, displaying elaborate patterning on their bodies.
Their shape varies from elongated to deep and compressed, and significant range of sizes within the group. Larger species are too big for the home aquarium.
They are hard to maintain, feed readily, but even tame species can give a painful bite if offered food by hand. Their fanglike teeth are usually applied to cracking into invertebrates, such as sea urchins which form their natural diet.
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