looking for the perfect fish-help

[giants4pc]

I have a 55 gallon tank with approximately 110lbs of live rock-it's definitely stocked but in such a way where there is still considerable swimming room. I have 2 clowns (oscellarus or whatever they are called), 1 royal gramma, and 1 fairy wrasse. None are bigger than 2 inches. I have an assortment of coral, a pistol, peppermint, and blood fire shrimp, and many blue legged hermit crabs. Parameters are perfect with great equipment. I feel my tank is missing a real centerpiece fish-one that captures the eye. I believe I definitely have the room but not sure what I should get. Any ideas for that 'just right' fish given what I already have? Thanks

[white_queen]

You might try a small angel, Flame or Coral Beauty. You can sometimes find these species bred in captivity which seems to help with any "reef safe" concerns. With that much liverock I doubt they'd pick at any one anything enough to hurt it. I LOVE mine!

[giants4pc]

i forgot to mention that I have a maxima clam and i heard angels like to pick at them. thanks though-any other ideas?

[lunker101]

How about a pair of yasha haze gobies? Or one yasha and a pistol shrimp?

[white_queen]

I think they are one of those "some do, some don't" type thing.

Other options include: Chalk Bass (Serranus tortugarum) which according to "500+ Essential to Know Marine Fishes" do best in a small group (3 would probably be very nice) and are not especially shy or aggressive "often in the open". And at a maximum size of about 3 inches they would do fine in your tank.

Perhaps a brightly colored Anthia although I believe those tend to do better in a group and would need a larger tank.

I personally love the yellowhead Jawfish as well but it seems you want something that will be more actively swimming in and out and these are more often found on the substrate level.

Personally, I think I'd take the chance on a small angel....perhaps talk to some of the other clam keepers and find out if anyone has some first hand experiences. I think it makes a difference wild caught and captive bred on some things like that.

Angela <><

[dascharisma]

I think you have enough fish.

[GorillaReefer]

How about a purple fire fish? There small and real peaceful. I've got one in my 125g and he's the most peacefull and interesting to look at.

[jimbo045]

I'd say Coral Beauty too. Or Blue Tang. JD

[merk1_99]

Blue tang??? 55 seems a little to small for that even though I love em...

[giants4pc]

any other ideas...thanks

[sparkey65]

cardinals are good i would get a yellow tang i love him and he was in a 55 for 2 years before finally moved him

[sparkey65]

i also think4 or 5 green chromis are great schooling fish

[sparkey65]

i havde a flame as well and he is great with my corals but i do not have a clam though

[fishykid9212]

what about a yellow tang

[saltysooner]

bartletts anthias are always swimming and very colorful.