Deep water Reef

[verde_ad]

I was thinking about setting up my 200gal as a deep water reef. I am looking into some of the deep water anthias, maybe some of the flasher/fairy wrasses and a couple larger showpiece fish. My question is. Does anyone have any ideas of bigger deep water fish that would go good in this tank? I am still in the research process so any info you have would be great.

Thanks,
AJ

[jmicky41]

For a centerpiece type fish, how about a Tinker butterfly or possibly a pair? I also think a peppermint hog or mystery wrasse would be cool, maybe some ventralis or sunburst anthias - both these are touchy though. At the Waikiki (sp) aquarium they have a deepwater setup with a sanguine hogfish, pair of prognathodes butterflys, fishers angel, and a deepwater fuscapinnis (sp) anthias. It was one of the coolest tanks I'd ever seen, although most of these fish are above the means of most private reefers.

[ClamIAm]

A bandit angel is a cool deepwater fish although again these aren't easy to keep in captivity.

[verde_ad]

Thanks for the help. Were did you guys get info on deepwater fish. Is there a good book or website that you know of. Thanks again and keep the comments/ideas comming.

[ClamIAm]

Also if I'm not mistake crosshatch triggers come from deeper waters. I don't believe they're a good idea if you want any ornamental crustaceans though.

[verde_ad]

I was thinking a crasshatch would be good. I don't care about ornamental crustaceans. Just some deep water corals and really cool rare and different fish.

[jmicky41]

The Scott Michaels "reef fishes" series has lists of fish based on the preferred habitats. For example - reef crests, deep reefs, reef flats, ect.

[verde_ad]

Thanks jmicky41. I have that book, but if I remember correctly it isn't a very complete list. Maybe I am wrong. It has been a while since I looked at it.