Seahorse Tankmates Guide - Part I: Fish

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Lionfish Lair

Lionfish Lair

Renee
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fish-title-header.png

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​

* this is for "regular-sized" seahorses only and cannot be used in determining tankmates for Dwarf Seahorses.

risk-rating.png


0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements

If you see an asterisk* after the rating, look for additional notes in that section.


line.png

So, what's in a number? It's pretty safe to say those with the 0, 1 and 2 rating are safe to add to your seahorse tank, provided individual needs of both fish are met.

A rating of 3 is pushing the envelope and may or may not work based on the individual personality of the particular fish you are trying to introduce. Please have alternative plans to house the tankmate, should a problem arise. There are plenty of fish in the 0-2 category, so it's really best to leave these be.

Those fish with a rating of 4 have no business being housed with a seahorse, IMO.


This is a rework of a guide from some years ago on another site that my friend Kevin and I put together on Seahorse.org. Many pictures are the same, so I wanted to explain that they are mine and not lifted from the other site (in case you run across the other one). I changed the rating system, so that it was less subjective. Back then I hated the idea of tankmates and fought it tooth and nail. LOL!

angelfish dwarf sign.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements
6beauty.png
6bicolorangel copy.png
6eibli copy.png

6flameangel copy.png
6half copy.png
6heraldi copy.png

6keyhole copy.png
6lemonpeel copy.png
6multicolorangel copy.png

6potter copy.png
6rustyangel copy.png
6singapore copy.png


angelfish sign.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements
6angel.png
6bluegirdle.png
6flagfin.png

6lamarck.png
6passer.png
6queenangel.png

6swallowtail.png


anglerfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6anglerone copy.png
6anglertwo copy.png
6half copy.png


anthias.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bartlett copy.png
6hifinperchlet copy.png
6lyretail copy.png

6pink copy.png
6purplequeen copy.png
6sunburst copy.png

10802009_824878987557644_3638549798273100697_n_zpsff5e2d33 copy.png
blot900-2 copy.png


basslets.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6royal copy.png


batfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6batfish copy.png


blennies.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6barnacle copy.png
6bicoloredblenny copy.png
6blackblenny copy.png

6lawnmower copy.png
6leopard copy.png
6midas copy.png


boxfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6box copy.png
6cow copy.png


butterflyfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6copperband copy.png
6heniochus copy.png
6longnosebutterfly copy.png

6pearlybutter copy.png
6racoon copy.png
6teardrop copy.png


cardinalfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bangaii copy.png
6longspinecardinal copy.png
6redlined copy.png

6spottedcardinal copy.png
Ostorhinchus compressus.png
6flamecardinal copy.png

6orangelined.png


chromis.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bluechromis copy.png
6green copy.png


clownfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6blackclown copy.png
6cinn copy.png
6fire copy.png

6maroon copy.png
6perc copy.png
6pinkskunk copy.png

6skunk copy.png
6tomato copy.png


damselfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bluedevil copy.png
6domino copy.png
6fourstripe copy.png

6jewel copy.png
6pheonix copy.png
6threestripe copy.png

6twostripe copy.png
6velvet copy.png
6yellowtail copy.png


dartfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bar copy.png
6firefish copy.png
6scissortail copy.png


dragonette.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6stripedmandy.png
6spottedmandy copy.png
6scooter copy.png

6redscooter copy.png


*At this point in the game, we should be buying captive bred horses. In doing so, Mandarins are not really a food competitor and earn the rating of zero.

eels.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6gardeneel copy.png
6abbottsmoray copy.png
6snowflake copy.png

6tesselata copy.png
6undulatedmoray copy.png
6wolfeel copy.png


filefish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
beforeeating900 copy.png
btff700 copy.png


foxface.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bicolorfox copy.png
6foxface copy.png
6virgate copy.png


gobies.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6banded copy.png
6black copy.png
6catalina.png

6clowngoby copy.png
6convict copy.png
6diamond copy.png

6engineer copy.png
6greenclown copy.png
6jester copy.png

6neon copy.png
6orangeprawn copy.png
6pinkbar copy.png

6sleeper copy.png
6steinitz copy.png
6tiger copy.png

6twinspot copy.png
6wheeler copy.png
6yellowwatch copy.png


*Catalina gobies require lower tank temperatures than is tolerated by seahorses.

groupers.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6panthar copy.png


hawkfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6flame copy.png
6arc copy.png
6geometric copy.png

6longnose copy.png
6redhawkfish copy.png


hogfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6coralhogfish copy.png


jawfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6pearly copy.png
6bluespot copy.png
6blackcap copy.png


lionfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6volitan copy.png
6zebralionfish copy.png
galleryantenattalion copy.png

gallerybarberilion copy.png
gallerybiocellatuslion.png
gallerybrachypteruslion copy.png

galleryheteruralion copy.png
gallerymombasaelion copy.png
galleryradiatalion copy.png

gallerysphexlion.png


* Blackfoot Lionfish (Parapterois heterura) are a coldwater fish and require tank temperatures lower than a seahorse can tolerate.

pipefish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6janss copy.png
6multibanded copy.png
6dragonface copy.png


pseudochromis.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6arabian copy.png
6bicolordot copy.png
6fridmani copy.png

6purpledotty copy.png
6strawberry copy.png
6tono copy.png


puffers.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6dogface copy.png
6porcupine copy.png
6spiney copy.png

6spottedpuffer copy.png
6starsnstripes copy.png
6valentini copy.png


rays.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bluedot copy.png


scorpionfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
galleryamboinensisscorp copy.png
gallerybrasiliensisscorp copy.png
gallerycaribbaeusscorp copy.png

gallerycyanostigmascorp copy.png
galleryerosasting copy.png
galleryeschmeyeriscorp copy.png

galleryfortescuewasp copy.png
galleryfrondosascorp copy.png
galleryinimicussting copy.png

gallerylittoralisscorp copy.png
gallerylongispinuswasp copy.png
gallerymulibarbussting copy.png

galleryrubripinniswasp copy.png
gallerystrongiascorp copy.png
gallerytaenionotuswasp copy.png

gallerytriacanthusscorp copy.png
diab900 copy.png


tangs.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bluetang copy.png
6clowntang copy.png
6convicttang copy.png

6naso copy.png
6poderbrown copy.png
6powderblue copy.png

6purpletang copy.png
6sailfin copy.png
6scopas copy.png

6sohal copy.png
6yellowtang copy.png
val copy.png


triggerfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bluejawfem copy.png
6bursa copy.png
6clowntrigger copy.png

6humu copy.png
6picasso copy.png
6queen copy.png


wrasse.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6birdfem copy.png
6birdmale copy.png
6canarywrasse copy.png

6candycanepencil copy.png
6christmas copy.png
6cleanerwrasse copy.png

6dragonwrasse copy.png
6ex copy.png
6formosa copy.png

6leopardwrasse copy.png
6lyretailwrasse copy.png
6mccoskers copy.png

6orangeback copy.png
6rainbow copy.png
6sunsetwrasse copy.png

6redfin copy.png
6sixline copy.png
6spottedwrasse copy.png


miscellaneous.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6clingfish copy.png
6jackknife copy.png
6parrotfish copy.png

6pilot copy.png
6skunkfilefish copy.png
 
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Aquarium Specialty - dry goods & marine livestock
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IMG_7193.jpg
IMG_7193.jpg
Lionfish Lair said:
cardinalfish.png

0 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • no food competition (*)
  • mostly benthic/cryptic and keep to themselves
1 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column, but does not have a fast/erratic swimming pattern
2 Risk Rating
  • no aggressive tendencies
  • minimal food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
3 Risk Rating
  • a little assertive
  • more pronounced food competition
  • mostly in water column and has fast or erratic swimming pattern
4 Risk Rating
  • semi-aggressive or aggressive
  • direct food competition
  • immaterial if aggressive or a direct food competitor
  • incompatible tank requirements/habits
6bangaii copy.png
6longspinecardinal copy.png

6redlined copy.png
6spottedcardinal copy.png
Click to expand...
Hopefully it's ok to add to this list, which by the way is a great resource - thank you!

I have Ochre striped Cardinalfish with my seahorses and based on your rating scale I'd give them a 2 because frankly they are little piggies, they are completely non-aggressive towards the seahorse but can gobble up all the food before the seahorses have a chance. Here's a pic for those wondering....
 
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This is an awesome "thread" you have put together! More like VAULT of info! Thank you!
 
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Thanks!

If someone has kept a fish not on the list and has a picture to share, I would love to include it!
 
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How about a flaming prawn goby. Setting up a dwarf tank for my wife and wanted to put one in (love that fish).
 
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Dwarf are a whole different ballgame. This is for "regular-sized" fish only. I have zero familiarity with tankmates for a dwarf. I'm going to add that to the intro. Sorry.
 
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Dr. Reefs Quarantined Fish
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How about bass of the serranus family? I keep Belted Sandfish (Serranus subligarius) and I plan on having Chalk Bass.
 
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Well, that's odd. I thought I had the Chalk Basslet in there. I know someone who kept one with their horses. They were quick with the food and if you add that to their swimming behavior, I think that earns them a 2.

Tell me about the Belted? How is their behavior when compared to a chalk, for example. Are they "pushy"? Are they freaks with the food?
 
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Lionfish Lair said:
Well, that's odd. I thought I had the Chalk Basslet in there. I know someone who kept one with their horses. They were quick with the food and if you add that to their swimming behavior, I think that earns them a 2.

Tell me about the Belted? How is their behavior when compared to a chalk, for example. Are they "pushy"? Are they freaks with the food?
Click to expand...

They are incredibly active and seem to only bother with each other they only bothered my blenny for a few hours when I first introduced him now the blenny only bothers them when they get to close. I feed them mostly freeze dried krill and they take it and hide. I haven't had much experience with a chalk bass, but the one I had was fairly more active than the Belted. I think if the Chalk earns a 2 I would maybe put the belts at the same level.
 
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Someone actually PM'd me and asked that already! I was actually going to put a notation in there and I guess now I really should.

The difference of the ratings for the lions is it's pretty much divided into groups of "how likely is it you will fit in my mouth?"
The 4s I have no doubt can fit into the lion's mouth in time.
The 3s, there's a chance if you get a small horse and a large lion. The seahorses being CB are often a little stunted in their size, so it's really hard to predict how big they'll be. A lion raised in captivity will not be as big as a wild caught brought in as an adult. If you had a stunted seahorse and adult wild lion, the lion may be able to eat it.

Fus got a zero rating because they are 1 of 2 types of lions that don't have the mouth size to eat a seahorse. The other is a Blackfoot, but they are a 4 rating because they are a coldwater fish. Fus are zero food competition and they also like to slither along the ground and won't be up in the seahorse's face.

It's actually hard to get stung by a lion. I used to be dead set against it and hitching was one of my concerns. I knew people who did it, but I was still against it. Now that I've kept venomous fish, I realize I was wrong with my impression. Lions really have no interest in stinging things and it would be an odd circumstance for it to occur accidently. They bump into each others spines all the time.
 
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In the first picture, the header picture, that's my seahorse with a scorpionfish. Mind you, they had to be separated after a while as the scorpionfish grew and his adult size was too big. Here he was just a youngin, in the picture.
 

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