Adding dartfish

[zbrusko]

I have 1 Scissortail dartfish. He is in a 4’ 110g or so that has been running 2.5 months. He was previously in a 40 breeder for 2 years. Would adding 4 more be a mistake? If so, could I add a small group of purple firefish? I’d like a group of something that aren’t chromis, but I am worried about adding with one already there. Thanks.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

#reefsquad

 

[KrisReef]

From what I have heard they are good to keep in groups and they don’t bother with other fishes.
Clearly you know about the lid.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have 1 Scissortail dartfish. He is in a 4’ 110g or so that has been running 2.5 months. He was previously in a 40 breeder for 2 years. Would adding 4 more be a mistake? If so, could I add a small group of purple firefish? I’d like a group of something that aren’t chromis, but I am worried about adding with one already there. Thanks.

They get along well but are also jumpers

 

[zbrusko]

My main concern is adding a group to an existing fish who has been alone (with no others of his kind) for 2.5 years. Is this anything to be concerned about?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

My main concern is adding a group to an existing fish who has been alone (with no others of his kind) for 2.5 years. Is this anything to be concerned about?

In a tank that size I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I would just keep an eye on your tank for any signs of aggression. You could always get an acclimation box.

 

[twentyleagues]

Scissortail darts are social with their own kind they should be fine and will probably group up upon seeing each other. The purples are a no go they will pair up and fight anything else that looks the same. Same goes for most other "firefish" also dont mix them. Its a lot of fun watching their interaction with each other. I have been trying to get a larger group of them but getting them healthy has been a challenge and they are very jumpy especially at first. Any large or aggressive fish may cause them to bolt so make sure to have a lid and your overflow covered. Also until they are used to you approaching the tank they may do the same. The two I have left will eat from my hand now. I started with 1 got 6 more into QT and only 3 of those survived, 1 jumped into the overflow when my tang charged them (he does not attack but he likes everyone to know its his tank) unfortunately I didnt have it covered. The three lived happily for about a year and I lost power and didnt have a backup power source for 16 hrs (stupid me), I lost one of the three in that. I think for my 180 I will get 10 or so from DR reef qt'd hopefully I will have better luck with that. But yes make sure everything is covered and they are healthy they are pretty hardy once in a healthy tank and acclimated to it. They usually bolt for their chosen rock once acclimated but can bolt straight up and out.

 

[zbrusko]

Scissortail darts are social with their own kind they should be fine and will probably group up upon seeing each other. The purples are a no go they will pair up and fight anything else that looks the same. Same goes for most other "firefish" also dont mix them. Its a lot of fun watching their interaction with each other. I have been trying to get a larger group of them but getting them healthy has been a challenge and they are very jumpy especially at first. Any large or aggressive fish may cause them to bolt so make sure to have a lid and your overflow covered. Also until they are used to you approaching the tank they may do the same. The two I have left will eat from my hand now. I started with 1 got 6 more into QT and only 3 of those survived, 1 jumped into the overflow when my tang charged them (he does not attack but he likes everyone to know its his tank) unfortunately I didnt have it covered. The three lived happily for about a year and I lost power and didnt have a backup power source for 16 hrs (stupid me), I lost one of the three in that. I think for my 180 I will get 10 or so from DR reef qt'd hopefully I will have better luck with that. But yes make sure everything is covered and they are healthy they are pretty hardy once in a healthy tank and acclimated to it. They usually bolt for their chosen rock once acclimated but can bolt straight up and out.

Great, thanks. These were the first two saltwater fish I ever had, and one did jump out early on. The one remaining has been hiding more since I added my tang, so it is good to know I can add some more. Hopefully he’ll frel more comfortable. I have been planning a group from dr reef. Thanks for the tip about covering the overflow!