Stocking and questions about Scissortail Dartfish.

[MDahms]

I’m setting up a new 90 gallon tank, an upgrade from a 32G biocube. I have started to buy fish to be housed temporarily in an established observation tank until introduction can happen.
My question concerns Scissortail Dartfish. I have 2 young fish and would like to bring that number up to make a small group, maybe 5 in total. Is this something that would work long term? Are they more likely to break into pairs and set up territories or will they form a loose group with little competition?

Current fish include a pair of black ocellaris clowns, a Royal Gramma, 2 Springers Damsels, a small Melanurus Wrasse, and a Pajama Cardinal. Currently spaced over two nano tanks but will be consolidated into the 90 gallon.
I want to keep the tank as peaceful as possible but also wonder if a Flame Hawkfish or Lyretail Hawkfish would be possible? Would they be a threat to the Dartfish, especially while they are small? I’ve read at least one report of Hawkfish attacking Dartfish.

Thanks for the help.

Michael

 

[cdemoss01]

I wouldn't do this.. In my opinion it might cause aggression.

 

[MDahms]

I wouldn't do this.. In my opinion it might cause aggression.

So avoid the Hawkfish? Or are you saying avoid sticking a group of Dartfish?

Thanks.

 

[cdemoss01]

I wouldn't do this.. In my opinion it might cause aggression.

So avoid the Hawkfish? Or are you saying avoid sticking a group of Dartfish?

Thanks.

Flame hawkfish are usually peaceful. As for dart fish.. I don't have much experience.

 

[MDahms]

Scissortail Dartfish are one of the few that can be kept in groups. Im just not sure if the group dynamic changes as they mature. Guess I’ll have to find out. They will have lots of space so hoping for the best.
Good to know about the Hawkfish. I’ll likely get the smallest one I can find just to be cautious.

Thanks

 

[BeanAnimal]

dartfish are jumpers. If you dont' have a perfectly fitting lid the will all end up on the floor. They will find their way through even tiny holes barely the size of their body.

They will 100% also go through your overflow and into the sump and get ground in the pump if they can fit.

 

[skey44]

Groups of scissortail dartfish can work. It’s true you will need a lid.

 

[MDahms]

dartfish are jumpers. If you dont' have a perfectly fitting lid the will all end up on the floor. They will find their way through even tiny holes barely the size of their body.

They will 100% also go through your overflow and into the sump and get ground in the pump if they can fit.

I do have a lid and have other species of Dartfish in other aquariums so have learned the hard way, never leave the lid open and walk away for any reason.
I had not really considered the overflow as my other aquariums are AIO style and their weirs are narrow enough to keep them out. I’ll have to figure out how to make the overflow safe. Thanks for the input.