Semi-aggressive fish compatiblility

[justinm]

Hi there. We currently have 2 fish in a 28 gallon with a 20 gallon sump. A cherub pygmy angel and a springer's dottyback. Both are labled as semi-aggressive and often come with the tag "should be added last". They were originally supposed to be the last additions, but unfortunately the former tankmates perished.

My gf is determined to have 3 fish, but not sure what would be a good addition that will not become an easy target to the two currents. Are we stuck with two fish or does anyone have any suggestions of a fish that might be tolerated, especially by the dottyback?

Both fish are about 1.5 inches, was thinking about maybe a little larger black ocellaris clown? Or a smaller pair?

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[MimicOcto8]

my first thought was toss the dotty back out. he will only cause problems in the future. my second thought was get some clowns cuz they are hardy and will fight back(being they are a type of damsel) good luck bud

 

[justinm]

I am with you on that one but this dottyback is smart. Tried the 2 liter bottle trap with no success. He is a problem now. I have too much coral glued down to the rocks and don't want to have to move it. I would rather just keep the dotty before moving all the rock work to catch him.

Do you think a clown can hold his ground or is it a no-no? Would a pair be better? I'd rather only add one b/c of bio-load but I think our system could support two if needed. Thanks again.

 

[MimicOcto8]

my only guess for that size of a tank would be the clown fish. I have a 35g tank with one of those dotty backs and yeah I tried for 6months to catch him with no success. since you dont want to remove the rocks but do want another fish, i would do the clown fish. but I would highly recommend giving in and taking the rocks out.

 

[dougers31]

I second the clown, usually can handle themselves. Prolly want to go with a 2in one or so.

 

[justinm]

Yeah, we went and picked up a black ocellaris misbar today. She, I am assuming because she was the largest fish in the tank, is almost 3" or so. No problem what so ever, the dottyback seems not bothered/maybe cautious. And the angel was in la la land as usual grazing on rock.

Thanks for the help fellow reefers, she is a nice addition. I'll see if I can catch a pic of her tomorrow after lights come on.

 

[dougers31]

Ok man, now you have to post pics as a reward for the great info we imparted on you;)

 

[Alattner]

Yeah, we went and picked up a black ocellaris misbar today. She, I am assuming because she was the largest fish in the tank, is almost 3" or so. No problem what so ever, the dottyback seems not bothered/maybe cautious. And the angel was in la la land as usual grazing on rock.

Thanks for the help fellow reefers, she is a nice addition. I'll see if I can catch a pic of her tomorrow after lights come on.

lets see some pictures of this beauty i am glad you figured something out and got something picked out

 

[justinm]

For sure, when daylights come on I'll snap it. I swear my fish has ad/hd because she won't stop moving.

 

[justinm]

Here is one with the actinics on, the misbar is on is tail. I'll get a better shot later.