Anyone kept one in a reef tank?

[EPo]

First fish and still doing great. He's my avatar when I had artificial pieces. Switched him over to the reef tank and had no issues. Loves his cave but will show and flash when I put my hand in front to defend his spot. Comes out plenty in the evenings and mornings (especially in the morning for feeding time). I stay away from shrimp, but I have wrasses as well so not much to do there. Overall great personality and addition to a reef tank.

 

[Scythanith]

I have had two in my full reef tanks. Small shrimp are out but I successfully kept a pair of Harlequins in with a full grown Marine Betta I had for about 12 years before HLLE took him. I have a new MB in my 270 and he gets along well with everyone :)

 

[loumaggs]

I always make it a point to use a Betta in every single set up that I do, never in 20 plus years have I EVER had a problem with these guys. They never look at the shrimp whatsoever, but I wouldn't add small shrimp into the tank after the betta has been established for a bit. While they are pretty shy, they always pop out during the day which makes them (imo) even more interesting seeing as some fish you see all the **** time. Graceful, beautiful, and even at their max size, they eat very little and have very little impact on the overall load in the tank. Hilarious when longtime residents will threaten you if you get too close to their cave. Definitely worth having one!

Sounds like it may be worth giving one a go then, just start small

 

[Bleulove]

I decided to do today's video on a Marine Betta, and it got me thinking...
Has anyone ever kept on in a reef tank, I know they aren't invert friendly but they can't be anymore of a risk than a harlequin tusk and I've seen those in a reef tank.

I have a lovely Marine Betta named Comet for 1 year now. He's great!! He comes out readily to eat once he sees me approach the tank, loves formula 1 flakes & mysis shrimp. Thankfully he has not bothered any of my hermit crabs or cleaner shrimps. He keeps up w/ my tangs at feeding time, stealing food & swimming away at times ;). He has never tried to touch any of my corals or eat my mandarin, six line wrasse or purple filefish, which are all pretty small & I'm sure could fit in his mouth, I've seen it expand!! Thankfully he's very peaceful & ez breezy. No complaints here

 

[loumaggs]

It's interesting, the people that have kept them generally seem to think they are fine

 

[Bleulove]

Yeap... They are great, but I guess it's luck if the draw due to personality of the fish... I have a yellow sailfin which I also love, but she's a terror. She is Queen if the tank & used to beat up on any new additions badly. Haven't added anything new lately, so she's trying to behave. But if anyone comes by her sleeping spot, she will dodge out at them... Mind you they are not suppose to be ver aggressive lol.

 

[loumaggs]

Yeap... They are great, but I guess it's luck if the draw due to personality of the fish... I have a yellow sailfin which I also love, but she's a terror. She is Queen if the tank & used to beat up on any new additions badly. Haven't added anything new lately, so she's trying to behave. But if anyone comes by her sleeping spot, she will dodge out at them... Mind you they are not suppose to be ver aggressive lol.

I think all zebrasomas have that little mean streak in them when they want it

 

[ReeferAlex]

Not marine betta...gem betta ; p

 

[loumaggs]

Not marine betta...gem betta ; p

Very similar markings

 

[Bleulove]

Not marine betta...gem betta ; p

He was brought on line @ liveaquaria.com & was listed as Marine Betta, I have never heard them called gem betta & all reading I've done termed them same as they listed. I do understand why some may call it a gem, because the markings are just like the gem tang

 

[loumaggs]

He was brought on line @ liveaquaria.com & was listed as Marine Betta, I have never heard them called gem betta & all reading I've done termed them same as they listed. I do understand why some may call it a gem, because the markings are just like the gem tang

I've not heard that term either?