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FAQs about Anglerfish, Frogfish Systems
Related Articles: Anglerfishes,
Related FAQs: Anglers 1,
Anglers 2, Angler ID,
Angler Behavior, Angler
Compatibility, Angler Selection,
Angler Feeding, Angler Disease,
Angler Reproduction, | 
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Longlure Angler, sys. 8/25/09
Dear Crew,
<Zach>
I am writing to you this time because I plan on setting up a 12 gallon
Aquapod that will be a species only tank dedicated to a single Longlure
Anglerfish. I plan on adding 40 lbs of live sand and 15-20 lbs of LR. I
also want to put Zoanthids, mushrooms and softies in the tank and maybe
a not too aggressive LPSs. My big question is concerning the clean up
crew. I know anglers eat any fish they can and their mouths seem
infinite but how interested would an angler be in snails, crabs and
maybe a serpent star? I was planning on adding 10 Nassarius, 5
turbo/Astrea, 5-7 scarlet hermits, and a serpent star. Do I have a
compatible setup??
<Tank is too small for keeping such as these fish do produce quite a bit
of waste which can will lead to water quality issues.
Do read here and related FAQ's.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglersysfaqs.htm
James (Salty Dog)>
Zach
Re Longlure Angler/Compatibility 8/26/09
James and Crew,
<Zach>
I think that the 12 pod is actually a sufficient sized tank for a
Longlure angler. I know of many people who have successfully kept in
these situations and I even know of someone who kept a frogfish in a 1.5
pico and then a 2.5 pico. I would not do this personally, but I will put
one in a 12 gallon.
<I am aware that this has been done, just more difficult to maintain
water quality in small systems.>
I asked about the compatibility of the angler with the snails and
hermits and serpent star. can you please answer that part.
<I believe you would have found this in the FAQ's you were referred to.
But to answer you question directly....no guarantees here, but the
snails would be the least likely to be "sucked up". James (Salty Dog)>
Zach
Spotfin Frogfish, A.
nummifer, comp., sys. 7/12/09
Hi Crew.
<Jim>
I just picked up what I am fairly certain is a Spotfin frogfish in trade
for some coral last night. I was tentatively planning on a species-only
tank in my office at work, and I likely will still go that route, but I
was reading on the angler compatibility FAQ, and I found what seems to
be a lot of directly contradictory advice. I was hoping you could
clarify for me.
<Will try>
As for tank size, one of the responses (in the compatibility FAQ)
recommends a minimum size of 75G for an A. commerson, which of course
gets bigger than A. nummifer, but I also think I remembered a similar
recommendation for A. pictus, which I believe grows to about the same
size.
Yet in another response in the same FAQ, I read:
<begin quote>
Okay, back to the angler. I am running another overflow from the
refugium into a 10 gallon tank which will house the maculatus. This tank
will drain to the sump. It currently has about 20 lbs of live rock and a
3" fine aragonite bed. So here are my questions:
1) I chose a 10g tank as it would be easier to feed and view this small
angler. With the ability to transfer to larger quarters in the future,
are there ethical issues of housing this fish (alone) in a tank so
small?
<Actually, no! I was fortunate enough to spend part of last weekend with
author Scott Michael, who is an absolute Frogfish fanatic! He says that
a small tank is actually a better way to go for these fish, for a few
reasons. First, it keeps them near their food! Also, they are just not
particularly active fish, as you are aware. Finally, they tend to get
"lost" in a larger tank, where they will blend in with the surrounding
decor. He told me that he even keeps one on his desk in a small Eclipse
aquarium!>
<end quote>
I realize that the 10G of which the writer was speaking was plumbed to a
much larger system, but it doesn't sound like Eclipse on a desktop was!
I own a 20G high with an eclipse hood, but figured that was too small. I
was planning on a 42G hex for a species tank. I _could_ also plumb a
smaller 10/15/20G tank in my living room into my 150G fish only with a
30G sump. Thoughts?
<Can work>
Then, regarding compatibility, several of the responses basically rule
out keeping a frogfish with anything else, i.e.:
I have just a quick compatibility question. I'm planning a big rough n'
tumble system and I'm thinking right now I'd like a porcupine puffer,
Sohal tang, a trigger and a frogfish.
<These fish are not recommended as tankmates for Frogfish.
Yet in another response, Bob writes:
<< In a large enough system... but do keep your eyes on (and feed
minimally)
the Sargassum Fish (Histrio)... as they can/do grow quickly given enough
food/feeding... and can swallow fishes near their own size (the Flame
will go first). >>
Welcome back Bob, I hope your trip was great.
<Yes my friend, thank you>
I am going to be keeping him in a 50 g tank with just the Huma Trigger
and The Red Volitans. I am ordering a small one from Flying Fish express
I think that means 1"-3".
<Likely>
The Huma I
plan to put in there is about 3"-4" and the lion is about 5 or 6 maybe
larger. Would they be ok until June?
<I give you very good odds. Bob Fenner>
I thought lions were a particularly bad idea with frogfish. Is this
difference specific to H. histrio?
<Mmm, no>
For my specific case, I was considering the possibility of adding my A.
nummifer to my 150G fish only, which currently houses an 8" Foxface, a
7" male bluejaw trigger, a 6" Koran angel, a 5" morpho, and a 2.5"
damsel, which I would probably move elsewhere. I know someone is going
to tell me my tank is already too crowded with 5 whole fish in it, but I
am running a 30G sump and a massive protein skimmer, and everyone does
just fine. But would the frogfish be okay in there? He's currently about
2.5", but would obviously grow.
<Will likely do fine... there is some small chance the trigger may bite
it... and make it hard to feed here.... but...>
Thanks in advance for clearing up my confusion.
Jim
<Welcome. BobF>
Re: Spotfin Frogfish, A.
nummifer 7/12/09
Thanks, Bob. One further question: in your opinion would a 42 hex be
adequate for a species tank?
<For this species of Antennariid, yes... in fact, can be quite
spectacular!
Look to arranging the rockwork to provide a prominent "lookout" ledge
some short distance from the bottom... Bob Fenner>
Questions on Antennatus tuberosus... sys., fdg. 12/23/08
Happy Holidays WWM Team! <And to you and yours Art> Please allow
me to first say thank you for all you do for us, sharing your knowledge
to the head scratchers all over the world. <Heee, am one myself> I
now come with my curiosity on my frogfish (Antennatus tuberosus). I've
had this fella for 3 months now, originally in a 55 gallon with 3 inches
sand and 50-ish lbs of live rock, with a Domino Damsel about 2.5X his
size and a Scooter Blenny. The first two months he ate his worth of
feeder shrimp, 3 or so per week. The past month I moved him over to
his very own 8 gallon nano reef with 2.5 inches of sand and 10-ish lbs
of live rock. If it makes a difference, coral includes 5 half-dollar
sized mushrooms and a frag of pagoda. There's also Chaeto the size of a
fist to help with water quality. I feed using tweezers. It seems it
only eats about 2 (lately only one) shrimp per week now, and on split
feedings (1 at middle of the week, 1 at the end). Is this common?
Could the nano be the culprit? Should I even be worried? <Mmm... I'm
always leery of potential problems with small volumes... they can/do
change chemically, physically... and hence biologically much too quickly
at times... and though not at all fast moving, Anglers do produce goodly
amounts of waste... How big is this individual? It is likely "small
enough", as the species tops out at 9 cm.:
http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=11150> I
acknowledge that this species is not commonly found in the trade.
Consequently, there aren't too many care sheets for the Antennatus
species online as well. I've even checked Fishbase and even frogfish.ch,
but not to much avail. If there's any special requirements for the
Antennatus that I could use, I'd greatly appreciate the help. Thank you
in advance :-) Warmest Wishes, Art F. <Mmm, I have never seen
this fish offered in the trade... I think it should be fine in the small
tank, but maybe the Cnidarians are mal-affecting it some way... If in
doubt, I would move it back to the 55, even a refugium tied into a
larger system. Using willingness to take food for Frogfishes is a good
indicator of health IMO/E. Bob Fenner>
Hello, I have a 16 gallon bioglobe aquarium with a hairy frogfish. Sys.
4/9/08 <Needs more room...> The tank has a uplift tube and
an under-gravel filter. My question is, would it be more beneficial to
use an air pump or an powerhead on the uplift tube. The air pump allows
the surface of the water to break better, while the powerhead allows
more circulation in the tank but minimum water turbulence at the
surface. What is more important in properly oxygenating the tank?
<Good question... and the "real" response is that none of the above will
work in time to provide adequate aeration, circulation or filtration for
this Antennariid in this setting... So, rather than lead you on re your
chances of success here, I advise your reading on WWM re the care of the
family and general marine set up:
http://wetwebmedia.com/anglersysfaqs.htm and here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/index.htm The indices on Set Up. Bob
Fenner>
Angler Fish/Systems 4/408 Hello all at WWM, <Hi Andy>
Thanks once again for the great information on your site - It has help
me considerably since setting-up my 70G FOWLR. <You're welcome.>
Although I would have to admit to making more than my fair share of
mistakes....and probably quite a few since, but I am definitely
learning. <Understand here, keep reading/learning.> In my 70G I
have a very happy Painted Angler (2.5 - 3.0 inches in length) and
Snowflake Moray (12 inch). They have lived happily for the past 5 months
but after the disappearance of their other tank mate (and a very full
angler) I want to move the Angler into its own quarters, before
considering any further additions to my 70G. I have read on your site
that some experts recommend quite small tanks for Anglers, sometimes
even Nano tanks. <With Angler Fish being large waste producers, I
would not keep in anything less than a 55 gallon tank. An efficient
filter system is a necessity.> And now my question(s). 1) What
filtration should be provided in such a small quantity of water? I have
seen some 10G tanks which have built in skimmer, filter, UV and heater
and I am unsure if this would be anywhere near adequate. <Would not
be.> 2) If this was a sensible move - Could I simply take some of the
Live Rock, sand and water from the Anglers current tank and move the
Angler immediately ? or would it be safer to start this from scratch ?
<Do read FAQ's here and related articles.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfishes.htm> Many Thanks for your
help on this, <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> Kind Regards,
Andy.
Frogfish Not Eating – 9/29/07 <Hello, Brenda here> I have this
frogfish and it is very sick. I noticed it today and would like to know
what is wrong with it. The frog fish is 2.5 inches and has been living
in a 15 gallon tank for 1 month. <This is an extremely small tank for
this fish. Is this your quarantine tank? A 15g tank is likely very
stressful on this fish.> It recently stopped eating and its skin has
started to turn crusty and black. <Is a common problem for these
fish.> Every time I feed him he just starts coughing it out. He also
has been acting weird like swimming around a lot which is weird because
he never does that. I know he is not trying to camouflage, he has never
turned black. I am not able to identify what kind of frogfish it is
because the place where I bought it said it was assorted. I feed it
krill and I just changed the water yesterday. <Have you tested your
water parameters? Try feeding live saltwater feeder shrimp. More
information on these fish can be found here:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=76&N=0 and
here
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfdgfaqs.htm Brenda>
Wartskin Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) Care Questions
2/20/07 I think I've just fallen in love with warty frogfish
(Antennarius maculatus)! <Hee! Easy to do in my opinion!>
I have a 2'6" 96 L (25 gallons) tank that I am considering turning into
a nano reef, would this be feasible for one of these fish? <Yes,
this fish stays relatively small, at 4 inches and isn't exactly a big
swimmer! Twenty-gallon tank would be the smallest recommended. More
info here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfishes.htm >
Obviously he would be the only fish in there but do you think he would
eat an urchin? <I don't know if he would eat it, but I would be
afraid he might be injured by it, so I'm not sure these two would make
good tank mates.> Also, what do you think would be better, a
refugium, a skimmer or both? <Both!!!> Thank you so much in
advance <You're welcome! -Mich> Will JBJ 24Dx set-up,
Angler Systems 3/15/06 Hello, I have been setting
up a JBJ 24Dx nanocube, possibly becoming a nanoreef in the future. We
still have the stock equipment that came with it, I believe 2x36W PC
lighting with moonlight and the stock filter. It has a bag of ceramic
rings, a bunch of bioballs, 2 bags of carbon, and some foam pads. We've
been reading through the book and this site and had some questions about
the setup. We know we can only put some corals in the tank close to
the lighting, since it's only 3W a gallon. At the moment we have about
10lb of live rock in there, curing another 15 or so in a separate
tank. The tank's been set up and cycled for about a month, here are the
inhabitants: 1 tank-raised ocellaris clown, 1 orange honey chromis,
4 hermit crabs or various types, 1 tiger turbo grazer, and 1 blue coral
banded shrimp. We're planning on leaving the last in until he has taken
care of the large amount of bristleworms we have, then removing him and
maybe adding a skunk cleaner. Would we be fine with a Current USA
Fission skimmer for handling the skimming in the back compartment, along
with the given filter stuff, or should it be modified? <Should work
stock> As it is, we're planning on the skimmer in the first
compartment, pre-filter, then foam pad, then bio/carbon in the
last. Also, the optimum water level in the instructions for the skimmer
looks like with a high water level the skimmer will be a little too low
in the water. If it goes any higher, it might hit the cover for the
lights and get pushed down. Also, would a clown goby or a pair go
well in this setup, or a royal Gramma instead? <Gobiodon's live best
in large small-polyped (Acropora mostly) "reef" systems... where they
can hide amongst and eat the polyps. I would not place a Gramma sp. in
such a small volume> The tank so far has plenty of copepod/amphipod
growth in the sand/rock, the chromis likes munching them off the sides
between meals, but nowhere near enough to sustain a fish. To your
knowledge, is there a good way to change the flow from the pump for the
filter? We've taken it out and there's no adjustment knob or switch or
anything, is there any good way to modify it to tweak the output?
<Not as far as I'm aware. Systems are quite "flexible" with increasing
size... more restricted the smaller> This doesn't relate to the
current tank. I'm looking (in maybe a year or so, maybe more or less)
to setting up a tank for a frogfish. I'm planning on the smallest one I
can get around here, not sure which that will be. With a high quality
skimmer, decent lighting, plenty of rock, maybe an efficient canister
filter of some sort, would I be alright with a 20 gallon for just the
fish and potentially some hermit crabs or snails? <Mmm, likely only
when the specimen was small... there are some antennariid species that
are very small throughout their lives, but these rarely make their way
into the trade> I know what kind of feeding I would have to do for
him, and I'm prepared to do as much maintenance as it would tank. Would
a 20 gal be adequate, or would I have to look bigger? <Likely
larger. Don't move around much, but are copious waste producers>
Like I said, this will be in the future, so I have plenty of time to
check out info on brands and exactly what I would need. Thanks for the
help! Alex <Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Angler in a fuge
7/27/05 Hello all, I have recently gotten a comment from
someone in my reef club that my set up for keeping my angler is
unsuitable. Though I thought it was fine, my pet's best interests
are always top priority, so I'd like to check with the expert
experts. <Mmm, is this a group of folks who flowed under pressure
who advise others who have done the same? Ex spurts?> She is in
a 5 gallon refugium, lit on a 12 hour reverse photoperiod. There is
about 2" of sand and it is field with Caulerpa, but not so much she
cannot move. Quite the contrary, she can get at a Ghost Shrimp anywhere
in the tank at any time. The refugium is hooked up to a 15 gallon
reef tank, which gets a 2 gallon water change every other day. The
Angler gets feedings of Formula 1 soaked in garlic on water change
days (she'll eat anything that hits the surface). Once a month,
she'll get 12 or so ghost shrimp. Now, the issue this person seemed
to have was the space, which I never saw as a problem because
Anglers are sedentary. She rarely ever leaves her perch in the upper
right hand corner of the tank. I always figured anglers did not need
much space at all. So, what's your take on it, guys? Is she too cramped
in there? Should I find her a new home? Is the fact that she is eating,
growing, and generally doing well enough to warrant her stay in my
house? Let me know Mike G <Sounds fine to me... will need
more space as time goes by if this is a larger (likely a Commerson)
species. Bob Fenner>
Angler Fish I
currently have three FW tanks (all single-species and sparsely
populated) I'm planning to venture into FOWLR... I have a 29 gal tank
that I want to keep one solitary angler fish in--the LFS labeled him
"painted" he gets to approx 12". My questions-- Is the tank large
enough? <If it is small now, you can get away with it for the time
being, but a 60 or 70 gallon would be my choice for the full grown with
it being the only fish.> Do I need a skimmer for this rather
inactive fish? <The inactivity has nothing to do with it, it is the
waste that it produces. You could use a product like Chemi Pure in your
filter that would work quite well as they have scavenging resins that
can remove waste that carbons will not.> What could I offer as food
instead of feeder goldfish, since they may cause digestive problems? I
want him to be happy and healthy! <I've had one quite some time ago and
I had a 10 gallon tank with four or five female mollies with one
male. I'd feed the babies frozen newly hatched brine shrimp which got
them growing rather fast. This is what I used for food. Read here for
more info.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfishes.htm Thanks for your time.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)> Laurie B. Frogfish Fun
Hi all!, <Hi there! Scott F. at your service!> I have a small (1")
Antennarius maculatus coming out of quarantine in two weeks. <What a
great fish! GREAT procedure, quarantining the fish!> It has been
tolerating fw dips and eaten a few guppies and at least one live Mysis.
I currently have a 180g display tank, upstream 100g refugium planted
with Ulva and Halimeda (I have yet to find a source of Thalassia in
Tokyo) and a 20 gal sump w/ skimmer, ozone and carbon. Two 1500 gph
pumps return sump water to display (5 ft or so), and an Eheim 1060
sending water from sump to refugium and it's overflow to display. All
three tanks have a 3-4" sugar sized, aragonite substrate. This system
has been up for 3 months and the display currently houses live rock
(about 150 lbs), a few tiny Acropora frags, and a bunch of
macro-detritivores; needless to say, it looks a little barren but I am
proceeding slowly. < Nothing wrong with going slowly. Sounds like a
wonderful, well-thought-out system! BTW, Thalassia requires a deep sand
bed (5-6 inches or more) to do well in...> Okay, back to the angler.
I am running another overflow from the refugium into a 10 gallon tank
which will house the maculatus. This tank will drain to the sump. It
currently has about 20 lbs of live rock and a 3" fine aragonite bed. So
here are my questions: 1) I chose a 10g tank as it would be easier to
feed and view this small angler. With the ability to transfer to larger
quarters in the future, are there ethical issues of housing this fish
(alone) in a tank so small? <Actually, no! I was fortunate enough to
spend part of last weekend with author Scott Michael, who is an absolute
Frogfish fanatic! He says that a small tank is actually a better way to
go for these fish, for a few reasons. First, it keeps them near their
food! Also, they are just not particularly active fish, as you are
aware. Finally, they tend to get "lost" in a larger tank, where they
will blend in with the surrounding decor. He told me that he even keeps
one on his desk in a small Eclipse aquarium!> 2) Are there benefits
to include the refugium in this chain or would I be better off with
return water directly from the sump? My refugium generates a quantity of
Gammarus and small copepods. I still have to buy live Mysis. The little
fellow seems to show little interest in 'pods. <They usually don't
but I certainly see no harm in him seeing some 'pods float in now and
then!> 3) Can I stock this nanotank with mushrooms and polyps? Xmas
tree worm rock? Are there issues with nematocysts stinging the 'feet' of
my fish? <Should not be a problem, but be aware that some of the
larger, "Elephant Ear" mushrooms (Amplexidiscus species) can and do
actually ingest fish!> Any allelopathic issues with the Acros and
mushrooms/polyps because they share water space (although not tank
space)? <Should not be a problem, for the most part> 4) Are there
any glaring issues that I may have over looked? <Just try to give
your Antennarius a varied diet and good water quality...He should be
fine.> Thank you much in advance. I read the FAQs daily and have set
up my system according to your recommended methodologies, equipments,
and ethics. <So many good ways to accomplish the same thing, aren't
there?> The service you provide has improved the quality of life for
both keeper and kept. Regards, Bryan Gim <Thank you much for the kind
words, Bryan. I'm so proud to be a part of this crew, and always am
thrilled to talk to my fellow hobbyists! I learn something every day!
Good luck! Scott F.> Frogfish Question Dear WWM: I
am setting up a ten gallon tank for a 3 to 4 inch Warty Frogfish. I put
in some coral frags and LR. I also added 1 turbo snail and 1 small
emerald crab. I know they will eat shrimp and fish that are their size
or slightly larger, but what about a turbo or crab? Are they at
risk? Thanks, <Mmm, well, this tank is too small ultimately for this
species... and unfortunately they do have a reputation for swallowing
whole most anything live that will fit in their mouth... If still
interested... a much larger system is called for... with larger
tankmates. Bob Fenner> Janey Re: Frogfish Question
Thanks for the quick reply:) How would a 20 long be for a frogfish only
tank? <Mmm, let's get "down to it" here... are you talking about THE
warty frogfishes (family Brachionichthyidae), aka handfishes... of
southern Australia? These four species top-out at about 15 cm. (six
inches to you Yanks)... a twenty would work for one of these fishes...
but a forty would be better! Other frogfish species (family
Antennariidae) can get much, MUCH larger... Bob Fenner> Janey
Re: Frogfish Question Dear Bob: I was referring to A.
maculatus. Not sure where they are from but some call it
the "Clown" or "Warty" Frogfish. <Oh yes. Our coverage of this
species here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anglerfishes.htm> I thought they were
about 6cm. long. <Actually, to about 9 cm... but under four inches
standard length> Please advise if I'm getting wrong info. I saw one
that was 4 inches long being kept in a 6 gallon Eclipse. I will
definitely be getting a 20 L for mine:) Thanks for sharing your
expertise! <Ahh, much better in the 20 long. Was recently in northern
Sulawesi and saw several of these. Very neat, beautiful species. Bob
Fenner> Janey
Lenny the Frogfish He's the only one in there:) Every time I
look at him he makes me smile.....here's another pic of Lenny to
brighten your day! Janey <Good photography. I do hope you're
planning on getting Lenny a bigger system (likely within six months
to a year). Bob Fenner> | 
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Re: Frogfish physiology What size system would you
suggest? I thought the 20L would be okay since they don't move
around much. Please advise.... <At least a forty gallon
volume... more to allow for dilution of wastes (even with good
filtration, circulation), and dissolved oxygen transport... for a
sedentary group of fishes, Anglers eat a lot, are metabolically
active, and grow surprisingly quickly. Bob Fenner> Janey |
Re: Frogfish Thanks, Bob, for your time and help with
Lenny:) I'm looking forward to watching him grow. You and your
crew provide a wonderful service......... Janey <Thank you my
friend. Bob Fenner> |
The Frogfishes Do Get
Froggy and They Will JUMP! >Hello, >>Hello. >I have a
20-gallon (24” x 24” x 8”) clam tank set up. My only intended
inhabitants are Tridacnid clams and a few SPS coral frags growing out or
small SPS colonies. There are several small pieces of live rock in
there as well. An opportunity to buy two gorgeous and seemingly healthy
juvenile frogfish has fallen into my lap and I’ve been researching like
crazy because I’m in love with the idea of putting one or hopefully both
of them in this tank. >>One, not both. >I am prepared to meet
their feeding needs and I think the tank would be perfect. No one I
know has any frogfish experience, so at this point it’s all reading… I
was hoping one of you folks could give me your thoughts on this idea.
>>It could certainly work quite well. Know that you can NOT use copper
in any way, shape, or form with frogfishes. Also, if fresh from the
wild, make CERTAIN they're eating--frozen foods if at all possible (from
feeding stick). If you've got the time and the determination, train
them yourself to feed from a feeding stick. >Attached are pictures of
the little guys (approx. 1.5” and 2” at this point). >>OH MY GOD
THEY'RE GORGEOUS! I'd set up another tank just to have them both.
>We aren’t certain on the identification, but think the yellow one is a
Warty and the red is A. pictus. What do you think? >>Common
nomenclature is very difficult to work with. It would be helpful to
know where they were collected, as this would narrow down the search
considerably. I suggest searching
http://www.fishbase.org In any event, you can count on them to
follow some typical behavior patterns (as I'm sure you know): reluctance
to swim about (great for a small system), a predisposition to want live
food only (juvies can be much more easily trained to take
frozen/non-live foods, though). Do plan on more frequent water changes,
even with the clams, and you may want to skim more aggressively. Other
than that, I think it's a great idea, could look really
gorgeous. Marina Thanks, Cheri The Frogfishes Do Get Froggy
and They Will JUMP! II >Marina, >>Yes, Cheri? >Thank you
for the reply to my Frogfish questions. >>Very welcome, and my
pleasure. Those were a couple of great shots, too. >I am curious
about the title you gave, "The Frogfishes Do Get Froggy and They Will
JUMP!" You don't really mean that they can jump do you?? It was just
supposed to be funny?? >>Oh my goodness no! They're the closest
thing to a vertebrate SLUG I've seen. Yes, it was meant to add some
humor to our typical day. >The idea that I can only have one frogfish
per tank is the conclusion I'd come to from all my reading (12 pages of
links from a Google search so far!). >>It's more the size of the tank
itself that's an issue, as predators such as froggies tend to be high
polluters. >With that in mind, I started thinking like you - setting
up another tank just so I could have the other one too! How about this
crazy idea - behind our 180-gallon tank is a half bathroom. On our
bathroom counter will soon be a 39-gallon refugium for that tank.
>>I know right where you're going with this, and a 39 gallon would be
great for a young frogfish. >It will have a deep sand bed, a few
pieces of live rock and some Gracilaria...nothing else. I figure having
a refugium on your bathroom counter is bizarre enough. Why not go all
the way to outlandish by putting a really cool frogfish in there?
>>Indeed! Why NOT? >He's not going to be interested in the amphipods
or copepods and won't eat macro algae, so I don't think he'd compromise
any of the ideas of what a refugium is all about... >>Absolutely
agreed. Although, I suggest a shift in thinking (I'm learning this idea
is quite common), instead of thinking of a refugium solely as a
"refuge", think of it more as a "living filter" instead. >If he's
got some live rock to hold onto, would he care if some Gracilaria
were slowly tumbling above him? >>Not at all. >Talk about
interesting things to look at while you are just sitting.... What do you
think? >>I think it's the next best thing to toilet paper and "the
library"! >BTW - from everything I can tell, the yellow one appears
to be Antennarius maculatus. Not at all sure on the red one yet though.
>>Yeah, getting down to counting dorsals and all can be a PAIN.
>Thanks for your help, Cheri >>Again, most welcome, my
pleasure. Also, FYI, on a reef board I'm associated with there is an
individual by the nick of "Righty" who's just gotten his first
frogfish. Go to http://www.reefs.org
and look up those search terms. You'll need to register to see his
pictures. I've visited him once, and he's got a RIGHTEOUS reef system,
the man is gifted when it comes to this stuff. You may find additional
information there, as well. Marina 
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Frogfish Question I just purchased a Commerson's Frogfish
this afternoon that I call "Bubba." Bubba is about 5 1/2 inches
long right now and will eventually top out around 11 1/2
inches. How fast do they grow? <With feeding (as much as
daily...) a bunch! As in right before your eyes... an inch every few
months... no joke> When will he be full grown? <Define "full".
To the maximum stated... two, three to several years... I strongly
suggest very infrequent, small feedings to keep this animal
manageable and long-lived> Months, years? He's currently in a 29
gallon but will be moved into my 75 gallon reef (as the only fish)
when he outgrows the 29......... <It's already past this tank
size... Would move it quick> Just wondered when that might
be. Is it true that you can keep two Commerson's of the same size
together without the worry of cannibalism? <Mmm, not really...
frogfishes are only found "in association" with others of their own
or other kind by accident or if they're a "spawning pair"... best to
keep solitarily> Thanks for the help:) Janey <Thanks for
asking. Bob Fenner> |
Books on Scorpaeniform,
antennariiform fishes... husbandry Hi folks, <Vincent>
can you tell me if there are books dedicated wholly to Scorpionfishes,
Stonefishes or Anglerfishes? So far the only book which I've come
across which has the biggest section on these fishes is Scott W
Michael's Reef Fishes Vol. 1. Desperately looking for more books that
cover the husbandry, behaviour and specimen of these amazing creatures.
<There are no such works as far as I'm aware... though some of the
upcoming Debelius/Kuiter TMC titles may well offer more insight than
currently exists in print. Unfortunately or not, there is just not
enough paying interest in these fish groups aquarium use to
warrant/attract writers/publishers to produce volumes on their care. Oh,
there is an upcoming tome by Anthony Calfo and I on Reef Fishes that
should have some coverage of interest... Bob Fenner>
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