Marine Beta - Reef Safe?

[wanareef]

Stll making out my list for the "next big" tank - 300gal + in wall and saw this nice looking fish. Anyone have this in their reef tank?


http://www.fishsupply.com/cgi-bin/f2...top/F/F5/F5C00

Any comments would be appreciated -

[MontanaRocknReefer]

From what I read corals would be safe but inverts would not be!

[JennM]

I kept one in my 120 for a year or so, until my flatworm treatment debacle. At one point I needed to introduce a cleaner shrimp for a tang I had - knew the risk - dropped it in, crossed my fingers. Comet didn't touch it. I also had a (huge) sally lightfoot, assorted crabs and snails - he never bothered a one.

These are very shy fish - most people never knew he was in there, but he could be staring at you from his hidey hole and he was quite invisible unless you knew where he hung out.

They are non-aggressive and don't do well with bullies.

Your mileage may vary, but I think it's a good addition to a reef tank, provided you don't keep tiny ornamental shrimp (ie: sexy shrimp or anemone crabs etc).

They are one of my favourite fishes.

Jenn

[TerryB10]

I have had one for eleven years now in my reef and I agree with everything that Jenn said. They should be the largest fish in a peaceful tank. They are shy and slow eaters. Mine has never bothered an invert except one time it ate a small snail just as I put it in the tank (wierd I know). Beautiful fish, but they prefer low light and need lots of rock to hide behind and in. Don't expect it to stay in view much. I have heard of them eating small shrimp but mine never have. I had another one for eight years several years back.
Terry B

[wanareef]

Jenn & Terry

Thanks for the feedback. Just what I was hoping for. Just wish that it would be out in the open a little more. Will have to remember to setup a nice cave for him/her to hold up in. I'm sure that in the next tank - 300+ it'll have a good home.

I once got some shrimp to take care of the aptaisa and as we all know it's hit and miss.

[gregt]

Great fish. Your shrimp will be lunch though.

[wanareef]

greg

No problem- don't have any shrimp and won't have any

nice picture- what kind of camera are you using?

[JennM]

Mine would stare out from his hidey hole and most people didn't see him, because his colours hide him so well. I could stare at him staring at me for hours If I was back from the tank (my tank faces the counter) he would come out, front and center, splay his fins as if to "stretch", absolutely GORGEOUS!

Did I mention they are one of my faves?

Jenn

[gregt]

That picture was taken with an Olympus C-3000z