vetteguy53081
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Its safe to say it's Not the cost of marine keeping that attracts us to this unique and wonderful hobby? Is it the LFS that has wonderful employees? Is it the challenge?
In reality, most people are and were intrigued by the colored fish which has a visual impact with various pigments that leave us both speechless and lead to desire to own such fish often triggering decision for stocking a tank whether now or in the future. In essence we are attracted to a certain fish(es) based on good looks, same as what attracts us to our significant other.
It seems the most striking fish are either non-reef safe or aggressive but we still maintain the desire to have such a fish. Puffers evolved as one of the favorites especially after the movie "ET" and because many hope to see them Puff up. Clowns and Hepatus in part due to both cost/color and the Movie " Finding Nemo", Triggers because of the unique fin motion and coloration- there really isnt a trigger that is dull and lionfish that look graceful but can swallow smaller fish and sting you..
With beautiful colors , comes a risk. Red Coris wrasse being one of the most vibrant constantly flip over frags and rocks, hawkfish that hang out in coral and irritate them, dwarf angels that will nip when you least expect it and clowns that will bite you without a second's notice.
While falling with colors, we must consider behavioral issues such as fin nipping, historical aggression, fighting and even jumping. Last to consider is diet. Do the fish we fall in love with eat readily in captivity, are they difficult to feed, are they expert level only and even are they fish that eat so much that we cannot afford to feed them such as some groupers and lionfish. Also consider the risks with many fish with shrimps, snails and other inverts.
What fish attracted you to the hobby?
Do you own this fish or owned it at one time?
Marine Angels, mainly Atlantic species was my attraction followed by Lionfish.
My first big tank was a 125 gallon which had French, grey, queen angel along with 3 porkfish, a high hat grunt and panther grouper.
In reality, most people are and were intrigued by the colored fish which has a visual impact with various pigments that leave us both speechless and lead to desire to own such fish often triggering decision for stocking a tank whether now or in the future. In essence we are attracted to a certain fish(es) based on good looks, same as what attracts us to our significant other.
It seems the most striking fish are either non-reef safe or aggressive but we still maintain the desire to have such a fish. Puffers evolved as one of the favorites especially after the movie "ET" and because many hope to see them Puff up. Clowns and Hepatus in part due to both cost/color and the Movie " Finding Nemo", Triggers because of the unique fin motion and coloration- there really isnt a trigger that is dull and lionfish that look graceful but can swallow smaller fish and sting you..
With beautiful colors , comes a risk. Red Coris wrasse being one of the most vibrant constantly flip over frags and rocks, hawkfish that hang out in coral and irritate them, dwarf angels that will nip when you least expect it and clowns that will bite you without a second's notice.
While falling with colors, we must consider behavioral issues such as fin nipping, historical aggression, fighting and even jumping. Last to consider is diet. Do the fish we fall in love with eat readily in captivity, are they difficult to feed, are they expert level only and even are they fish that eat so much that we cannot afford to feed them such as some groupers and lionfish. Also consider the risks with many fish with shrimps, snails and other inverts.
What fish attracted you to the hobby?
Do you own this fish or owned it at one time?
Marine Angels, mainly Atlantic species was my attraction followed by Lionfish.
My first big tank was a 125 gallon which had French, grey, queen angel along with 3 porkfish, a high hat grunt and panther grouper.