What are your favorite smaller tank fish?

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jdavid

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with the build approaching (still) I have begun to consider which fish I will stock in the 60 cube. I have never put to much thought into fish, but this time I want it to be perfect.

I do not have any plans to go large anytime soon, so fish that are sure to outgrow the tank are off the list. I know some fish jump. I'm probably not going to cover the tank. I may have to accept a loss later on, but I think I can reduce this risk by adding fish that will get along.

What I've got so far:
2 snowflake clowns
Blue chromis
Mystery wrasse

So what are your favorite fish that you (could) keep in a 60 cube tank?
 
I'm not a big fan of chromis but if you like them that's all that matters. Mystery wrasse is a great fish, I'd add a flame angel to the list or a potters. Snowflakes are a solid choice, you could also add some type of goby and a pistol shrimp the pairing is always fun to watch when bored.
 
Midas Blenny
Tail Spot Blenny
Yasha goby
Randalls goby
Firefish

Edit: Starry Blenny is a cool fish also.
 
I love my purple firefish I only had one for a while and he was really shy but when I added another they almost instantly bonded and now they are both out always and are beautiful fish with really bright colors!

Edit: And idk if you have bought the snowflake clownfish yet but consider the gladiator clownfish they are super cool!
 
Cshack5405;923495 wrote: I love my purple firefish I only had one for a while and he was really shy but when I added another they almost instantly bonded and now they are both out always and are beautiful fish with really bright colors!

Edit: And idk if you have bought the snowflake clownfish yet but consider the gladiator clownfish they are super cool!
Click to expand...

Curtismaximus;923490 wrote: Midas Blenny
Tail Spot Blenny
Yasha goby
Randalls goby
Firefish

Edit: Starry Blenny is a cool fish also.
Click to expand...

Indeed I do need a blenny or goby (or both)

The personality/character of the little guys are essential. This will give me something to think about. Thanks for the list Curt I will definitely review each suggestion. I've seen some really cool red scooter blennies as well

What makes a cool fish even cooler is when it does a job/fills a role in the tank. What are some of the best workers in your tanks?
 
I saw a Ruby red scooter blenny at a sponser store the other day. Those guys are crazy! I would have bought if i didn't already have a mandarin.
 
declanisadog;923525 wrote: i saw a ruby red scooter blenny at a sponser store the other day. Those guys are crazy! I would have bought if i didn't already have a mandarin.
Click to expand...

where???
 
My best workers are my diamond goby and Tomini Tang. I have never needed to clean my sand and I have had zero hair algae since I introduced my Tang. I'm not sure how they would do in a tank that size but I figured I would answer anyways!
 
Curtismaximus;923490 wrote: Midas Blenny
Tail Spot Blenny
Yasha goby
Randalls goby
Firefish

Edit: Starry Blenny is a cool fish also.
Click to expand...

Excellent list!!! IMO
Jawfish are a great addition to a small tank with a few inches of sand.
 
I'd stay away from fire fish if you don't plan on having a top. They are notorious for carpet surfing.
 
The starry and the Midas have been 2 of my favorites. My starry's nick name is foo man choo. Looks just like one of the old men on the old Kung fu movies:)
 
with a 60 I'd want to make sure that whatever bioload I add that is going to make my workload increase through husbandry is doing something beneficial for me inside the tank. For that reason I think the mystery is a great choice aside from the fact that its a gorgeous fish. You'll never have to worry about any bristle worms. I wouldn't waste my bioload on the chromis because althought they start small i've seen them get pretty big. You could do a Kole tang in a 60 but I'd get a juvenile. I also agree with others about the Midas Blenny just because of personality and appearance.

In the end if you go with the mystery and a kole at least you'd be covered for algae and critters... I'd also make sure to add the mystery as the last fish and add as a juvenile...
 
Declanisadog;923530 wrote: Premier. I was walking out and happened to see it. I had never seen one in person before.
Click to expand...

wow how much was it? id love to have one when i do my upgrade
 
Kirkwood;923664 wrote: with a 60 I'd want to make sure that whatever bioload I add that is going to make my workload increase through husbandry is doing something beneficial for me inside the tank. For that reason I think the mystery is a great choice aside from the fact that its a gorgeous fish. You'll never have to worry about any bristle worms. I wouldn't waste my bioload on the chromis because althought they start small i've seen them get pretty big. You could do a Kole tang in a 60 but I'd get a juvenile. I also agree with others about the Midas Blenny just because of personality and appearance.

In the end if you go with the mystery and a kole at least you'd be covered for algae and critters... I'd also make sure to add the mystery as the last fish and add as a juvenile...
Click to expand...

+1

Plus Chromis can be extremely difficult to catch. When I tried to reduce my bioload the Chromis were the first to go. I ended up having to destroy half my rock work and they were stillalmo st impossible to catch. Long story shortI st ill have one swimming around!
 
I'll be keeping a nano for the bead side table so I will probably just let the chromis stay there then. Personally I like them.. They are always out, and it has always been a favorite of mine sense my brother ha his reef tank and I didn't know squat. At that point, I didn't know/care that they were $5 fish. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But I also think there is value in the advice on these boards so I will think long and hard before I add it

I already have the mystery wrasse.. It's a good 3 1/2" very docile with the saddleback clown it is housed with in a 29 gallon awaiting the new build. It will stay there until the time is appropriate for it to go in the 60
 
I luv all my fishy friends , But my tailspot blenny is at the top , very social fish , best buddies with my wrasse and my fire fish , he doesn't run when I'm working in my tank , and eats anything I give him.
Fire fish are cool but best in pair or trio .
 
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