Is a Spotted Sweetlips Reefsafe?

[xian3000]

Hey,
I want to purchase a spotted sweetlips he's brownish black with white spots. Is he reef safe? I don't do coral yet but I plan to.
xian

[Justjoe]

Originally posted by xian3000
Hey,
I want to purchase a spotted sweetlips he's brownish black with white spots. Is he reef safe? I don't do coral yet but I plan to.
xian

check out:
http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Spec...ry.php?id=6364

They get to about 30" and eat a great deal so be prepared.
Joe

[xian3000]

the website you sent said they inhabit reefs, is this because they are reef safe or because they feed on it?

[Justjoe]

Originally posted by xian3000
the website you sent said they inhabit reefs, is this because they are reef safe or because they feed on it?

I've never kept them with corals, but they have a big mouth and a bigger appetite, so you'll be very limited as to what fish you can put with them, if they think they can possibly swallow a tank mate, they will try. If they're well fed, it will put a heavy bioload on your filtration. They most likely won't pick on corals and they don't keep that cute coloration either.
Joe

[brianlena2000]

They don't have a very good survival rate in captivity (problem feeders). Also, as already mentioned, they get huge (minimum recommended tank size is 200 gallons).

[yoboyjdizz]

if you get one that is already eating they will be fine but like mention before they get really big i would say atleast 8 foot tank 240 gallons or more and there reef safe as in coral but will make a meal out of crabs snails shrimps as they get bigger...