Hawaiian Reef Fish

Zaky Own · Oct 4, 2015

So I wanted to surprise my dad with a fish tank that is all set up. He has gone to Hawaii on his honeymoon and so I wanted to make an Hawaiian fish tank. It is about 200 gallons and has a large rock protruding 40cm out of the tank which is full of water. Now I'm thinking what fish could I put in there? I want fish he would've seen because he is going scuba diving a few times. I've heard there are triggerfish but they aren't reef safe I don't think. I've heard that tangs live there and Zebra Eels are reef safe aren't they? I've heard they are Hawaiian. Sorry for dragging this on but thanks x

steve&mari · Oct 4, 2015

Hawaiian flame wrasse pair would be beautiful with some tangs have to search hawaiian reef aquarium fish.

Zaky Own · Oct 4, 2015

Ok. So what about a pair of them wrasses, a group of yellow tang, a pair of emperor angelfish and I was thinking of sectioning off about 20 gallons of the tank to dedicate to seahorses. Oh yea and that zebra eel

Zaky Own · Oct 4, 2015

Oh found out I can't get flame as they jump and my tsnk doesn't have a lid

melypr1985 · Oct 4, 2015

Zaky Own said:
Ok. So what about a pair of them wrasses, a group of yellow tang, a pair of emperor angelfish and I was thinking of sectioning off about 20 gallons of the tank to dedicate to seahorses. Oh yea and that zebra eel

Seahorses need to be kept at much lower temps to keep them from getting bacterial infections and such. They also need low flow and excellent water parameters. I wouldn't suggest adding those to the "messy" aggressive fish tank even if they are sectioned off. There are others much more versed in the care of seahorses that can elaborate for you if you wish to learn more. @vlangel & @SeahorseKeeper are the ones to talk to about the ponies.

steve&mari · Oct 4, 2015

Totally agree seahorses wouldn't be a good mix because of needs for proper care. Screen tops are easy to make to keep fish safe.

SeahorseKeeper · Oct 4, 2015

I would also forego seahorses. Most seahorses would need at least 30 gallons for a pair. They also will thrive much better in a tank dedicated to them.

4FordFamily · Oct 4, 2015

Do not try a pair of emperor angels. This will be a blood bath.

Half of Hawaii fish are easy to keep (yellow tangs, flame wrasse, Humu trigger, orange shoulder tang, kole tang, naso tang, unicorn tang, Sailfin tang, green bird wrasse, striped squirrel fish, pink tail trigger, arceye hawkish, raccoon butterfly)

And the other half are borderline impossible for all but the experts (potters angel, Achilles tang, red coris wrasse, Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, moorish idol, longnose butterfly are pretty tough too)

OK some fish are on the fence - emperor angel, true Hawaiian flame angel, pyramid and saddle butterflies, convict tang, bandit angel, heniochus butterfly, etc.

saltyhog · Oct 4, 2015

Potter's wrasse are common in Hawaii but are probably not a good choice for the inexperienced. Pyramid butterflies have been very hardy for me if you can get a healthy specimen. Racoon's are beautiful but I don't think they're reef safe? Are Emperor angels native to Hawaii? We didn't see any when diving on the Big Island.

4FordFamily · Oct 4, 2015

saltyhog said:
Potter's wrasse are common in Hawaii but are probably not a good choice for the inexperienced. Pyramid butterflies have been very hardy for me if you can get a healthy specimen. Racoon's are beautiful but I don't think they're reef safe? Are Emperor angels native to Hawaii? We didn't see any when diving on the Big Island.

I agree on all counts.

Emperor Angels I believe are native. Not exclusively. I could be wrong. Maybe near one island.