Smallest reef safe schooling fish?

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by 4phish, May 1, 2011.

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  1. 4phish

    4phish Montipora Digitata

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    I would like to have three schooling fish for my 40 breeder. Just looking for some suggestions. Chromis are the only fish that come to my mind.
     
    4phish, May 1, 2011
    4phish, May 1, 2011
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  2. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    Dartfish, firefish, and anthias are great schooling fish
    (Anthias are not very small though ;) )
    JJL
     
    JJL, May 1, 2011
    JJL, May 1, 2011
    #2
  3. saints fan 420

    saints fan 420 Expensive Colorful Sticks

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    chromis prolly ur best bet
     
    saints fan 420, May 1, 2011
    saints fan 420, May 1, 2011
    #3
  4. saints fan 420

    saints fan 420 Expensive Colorful Sticks

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    firefish school but they dont swim much, my helfrichi just stays in the same spot..
     
    saints fan 420, May 1, 2011
    saints fan 420, May 1, 2011
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  5. 4phish

    4phish Montipora Digitata

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    Thanks guys! Yeah, saints, I think chromis are my best bet. JJL, don't damsels get agressive?
     
    4phish, May 1, 2011
    4phish, May 1, 2011
    #5
  6. SushiGirl

    SushiGirl Barracuda

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    Pretty much no fish are going to school in a tank, it's just not a big enough nor threatening enough environment to cause that phenomenon. The chromis will pick each other off till there's just one. Anthias are probably as close as you'll get, and I'm not sure 3 of those would work in a 40.
     
    SushiGirl, May 1, 2011
    SushiGirl, May 1, 2011
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  7. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

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    in such a small tank youll have trouble schooling any fish. even largbe public aquariums usually cant get their fish to school.
     
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
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  8. JJL

    JJL Purple Tang

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    Damsels? .....Did not mention those LOL
    I do agree with the others.....you might not be successful schooling in a 40. I have seen schools of chromis in 40, but sometimes it will not work out.
    JJL
     
    JJL, May 1, 2011
    JJL, May 1, 2011
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  9. Zeyphon

    Zeyphon Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    I don't believe fish will actually "school" in an aquarium setting, though they do "shoal". Anthias is probably your best bet, but your tank may be a little small for them.
     
    Zeyphon, May 1, 2011
    Zeyphon, May 1, 2011
    #9
  10. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

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    true, chromis' are the most likely to school but dont be dissapointed if they dont. my dad has a friend that has a school of 7 powder blue tangs in his 350 gallon tank. so you never know what will happen
     
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, May 1, 2011
    #10
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