Consider These Big Fish

These few specimens are good examples of what the marinist intending to keep big fish should be considering. Compatibility charts are not always an accurate guide as to what can be accommodated in a very large aquarium, so some room for experimentation is possible. There are many other species equally suitable and worthy of investigation.

THE LIONFISH (Pterois volitans)  is one of the most commonly available and impressive species. It is generally very peaceful and once acclimatised to dead food, easily fed. The aquarist needs to be aware of the venomous spines and keep hands well clear. Once full-grown, a large tank is essential to allow other fish space to manoeuvre around this slow swimming fish. Other species in the same family can be successfully housed in the same tank, making for a distinctive display. Potential ultimate size: 14"(35cm).

THE PICASSO TRIGGER (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) is not quite as aggressive as some other triggers but it is still potentially the most violent specimen in this selection. Having said that, it is an impressive fish when full-grown, with a colourful body and unusual markings. The Picasso Trigger is very forgiving of less than perfect water conditions and will eat almost anything on offer! Potential ultimate size: 10"(25cm).

THE QUEEN TRIGGER (Balistes vetula) can occasionally be seen as a very large specimen in dealers tanks, having been returned by hobbyists because they have outgrown their original aquarium. They are not the best tempered of fish but in a spacious enough tank can become an ideal subject. Queen Triggers are very resistant to disease and eat greedily. In the wild they can reach 20" (50cm), although aquarium raised fish can only be expected to attain ½ - ¾ that size.

THE FRENCH ANGELFISH (Pomacanthus paru) in its early life is superficially similar to the Grey Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) with a black/yellow livery. However, the French Angel as an adult, is much more colourful. They are easy to maintain at all stages and will accept most marine fare. Potential ultimate size: 15" (38cm).

THE KORAN ANGELFISH (Pomacanthus semicirculatus) is best purchased as a blue and white juvenile. Given a good diet, it will grow quickly into a large specimen. Whilst the adult Koran Angel may not be as colourful as some of its more impressive cousins, it is generally much less problematic as far as upkeep is concerned. Potential ultimate size: 16"(40cm).

THE LIPSTICK TANG (Naso lituratus) is one of the largest tangs in this family, and one of the most suited to share with other big fish. It has a peaceful disposition and enjoys most marine fare. As it gets older, its markings and coloration intensify, unlike some other tangs which tend to do just the opposite! Potential ultimate size: 10"(25cm).

THE SNOWFLAKE MORAY (Echnida nebulosa) can be purchased as a very small specimen no bigger than a pencil, but with a wide and generous diet will soon grow into a respectably sized fish. Caves or long lengths of pipe in which to shelter are essential to make this generally peaceful fish feel at home. Like the puffer, they are inclined to feed from the hand with the risk of giving the owner an accidental nasty bite. Potential ultimate size: 24" (60cm).

THE COWFISH (Lactoria cornuta) is nearly always for sale as a juvenile of about 2" in length and most people regard it as a small fish. How wrong they are, for this species will achieve a very respectable size, albeit over a reasonable period of time. Once again, feeding is very easy with The Cowfish accepting a wide variety of frozen marine foods. This peaceful species should be housed away from bullies as they react very badly to constant aggression. Potential ultimate size: 16" (40cm).

THE HARLEQUIN TUSKFISH (Choerodon fasciata) is a beautiful large wrasse with a mild temperament. It is very colourful at all stages of growth and will accept most marine fare very greedily. Although not very fast growing, it will ultimately be expected to reach 14" (35cm) in the large aquarium.

Read more on the Harlequin Tuskfish...

TIPS

1. Large wrasses often need to bury themselves at night. To avoid stress in a substrate-free tank, form a 'refuge' in the corner of the tank using two pieces of glass siliconed to the base and sides. It should measure 9" x 9" x 4" deep and contain 3" (7.5cm) of coral sand.
2. Glue all rockwork structures together as big fish can be very destructive!