Question on Compatibility

[mproctor18]

I'm currently planning on turning my 55 gallon tank into a saltwater aquarium. I really like the dwarf lionfish and snowflake eel combo. After doing a lot of research those two seem to be compatible. Is there anything else I could add to my tank? Or would any more fish overstock the tank? I also don't want any fish to become an expensive meal for the lionfish or the eel. Thanks! :D

[reepher315]

They both do enjoy eating things. If your going to ad anything else make sure its not big enough to fit in the lions mouth. Also be prepared to glue your aquascape eels are known for tipping rocks.

[mproctor18]

Is there anything that would be able to live in a 55g that is bigger than the lion fish's mouth? Most fish I see are either too tiny or they require like 75+ gallons. What about like a toby puffer, dwarf angelfish, or a smaller butterfly? All those seem to have some kind of issue with tank size or the lionfish so I might stick with just a lionfish and an eel.

[DoubleM 10]

what about a cockatoo waspfish?? I had one with my eels for a long time.

[MesmatePipe]

you could try an angler or a fu manchu lion

[DoubleM 10]

you could try an angler or a fu manchu lion

i second the Fu man chu. i had one for a while. i liked him quite a bit

[kw22]

+1 on the fu manchu,my favourite lionfish TBQH

I prefer zebra lionfish in terms of being with eels.

You could also have leafy scorpionfish,a larger warty anglerfish and waspfish.

Not all of them though!! - Keep us posted on your progress when you get them! :D

[mproctor18]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions guys! Probably going to get a Dwarf Zebra, snowflake eel, and some sort of anglerfish. Thanks again! :D

[namxas]

Your best bet for keeping a dwarf lionfish would be the fuzzy dwarf (Dendrochirus brachypterus), as they are the most hardy, and will assert themselves at feeding time.

I would definitely target feed both fishes to minimize any "mishaps", as eels have very poor eyesight and will strike at things they don't mean to bite (like you or your lionfish). Also, be aware that SFEs can become very aggressive once they hit about 18"-20".

As for a Canthagaster spp. puffer (toby), the SFE I kept for 15 years killed two of them...couldn't swallow them, but tore out their sides to the point of them dying. Just letting you know that those "non-piscivorous" eels will indeed go after your fishes.

HTH