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Okay, so this may be a HIGHLY controversial subject but we’ll have to see how it goes. With certain fish you keep that are labelled as a certain care level, do you actually agree with it? I’ll start first, if you can’t tell I love harder to own fish. In fact my three most prized fish are labelled as harder to own. Do I agree with it? No. These fish I own once they settled in are the exact same as my £15 clownfish.
Here’s what I own that are classed as difficult:
Chelmon rostratus - “Difficult to Expert Only” this is what I find the most unrealistic label. Now you may be wondering why, well if you can get one that eats already and is atleast an inch long if not 2 you’re already at a good start. Mine is a puppy, just swims in and out of the caves aswell as at the surface.
Hoplolatilus chlupatyi - This is again labelled as “Expert Only” may I just say I’m not an expert, this fish is a puppy. I have an entire thread on how easy this fish is after it’s been added into a tank calmly with as little stress as possible.
Halichoeres iridis - Yet again, another “Expert Only” when in reality the only hard bit about this fish is getting it through the shipping stage. Once established this fish is easy as can be.
Macropharyngodon bipartitus - another “Expert Only” wrasse, yes they tend to not eat and have internal parasites but if you get a young one ~1” to 2” that’s eating and been in the LFS for a couple weeks you should be just fine.
I wouldn’t call this luck, I think it’s more knowing what to look out for in the specimen and the basics. Also trial and error does MUCH more than a quick search will get you is what I’ve learnt.
Here’s what I own that are classed as difficult:
Chelmon rostratus - “Difficult to Expert Only” this is what I find the most unrealistic label. Now you may be wondering why, well if you can get one that eats already and is atleast an inch long if not 2 you’re already at a good start. Mine is a puppy, just swims in and out of the caves aswell as at the surface.
Hoplolatilus chlupatyi - This is again labelled as “Expert Only” may I just say I’m not an expert, this fish is a puppy. I have an entire thread on how easy this fish is after it’s been added into a tank calmly with as little stress as possible.
Halichoeres iridis - Yet again, another “Expert Only” when in reality the only hard bit about this fish is getting it through the shipping stage. Once established this fish is easy as can be.
Macropharyngodon bipartitus - another “Expert Only” wrasse, yes they tend to not eat and have internal parasites but if you get a young one ~1” to 2” that’s eating and been in the LFS for a couple weeks you should be just fine.
I wouldn’t call this luck, I think it’s more knowing what to look out for in the specimen and the basics. Also trial and error does MUCH more than a quick search will get you is what I’ve learnt.