Is a jack knife fish reef compatible?

[Rjramos]

Hey all;

I went diving the on Sunday and caught a beautiful jack knife fish. For anyone unfamiliar, they are in the drum/croaker family. I used to catch these occasionally many years ago before reef tanks were successful. I currently have him in my refugium. I was interested in placing him in my main display, but was unsure if they are reef safe. One thing I do know from past experience, is that they are delicate and do not do well with aggressive tank mates . I have a hippo, yellow and purple tang, and don't know if these guys will pick at his fancy fins? Any info appreciated.

 

[Rjramos]

I did some research, and the word is they are not reef safe due to there appetite for snails, crustaceans, and sand bed inhabitants(worms). Nothing said about coral nipping, but I don't think they do. I do think my other fish will tear him up though. I don't think I'm gonna put him in. Anyone interested in this beautiful fish? Let me know?

Best regards,
Rich

 

[bct15]

Drum and croaker eat invert I know for a fact, I use shrimp to catch croaker and crabs for drum so I imagine he might eat some inverts. Not sure on anything else...like coral and other fish compatibility.