Fish Compatability

[Kruss7]

I currently have a 220-gallon display tank with plenty of open swimming space. The tank is fairly active, with larger tangs making it a bit rowdy at times. One of the standout fish in the setup is my Borbonius Anthias—confident, not shy at all, and definitely dominant over the smaller fish. Despite the lively nature of the tank, I’ve noticed a gap in my stocking when it comes to fish that actively occupy the top of the water column.

Right now, the only fish that consistently swim near the top are my Borbonius Anthias and a pair of scissortail dartfish. The rest—my tangs and other fish—stick mostly to the mid-level or bottom of the tank. I originally considered adding a few bimaculatus Anthias to introduce more movement up top, but I’m wondering if their presence might cause problems with my Borbonius? Given its dominant behavior, I want to ensure there won’t be aggression or territorial disputes.

Beyond the bimaculatus Anthias, I’m open to alternative suggestions for smaller fish that are comfortable swimming near the surface. Ideally, they should be able to handle strong flow and coexist with larger, more assertive fish. Whether it’s Anthias or another type, I’d love to hear thoughts on species that could mix well while filling in that top-level space.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Bumping your post!

 

[Cheese Griller]

A group of bimacs should be fine with the borb, given its a 220. You could also bolster your school of dartfish!

If you're preparing to feed multiple times a day for the bimacs, you could also do a school of chromis. Constantly having food in the water column should help keep them distracted enough to not pick each other off!

 

[Flatearth]

You don't see them that often but I have seen tilefish that stayed closer to the top of a tank, I think a school makes this behavior more likely.

You could always get more dartfish as well.