Rock Beauty

[Unfair Advantage]

Anyone have any stories to tell about this fish in a reef tank?

I've seen the "ok, with caution" from some articles, but I'd like to know if anyone has had actual experience with this fish.

TY

[Cody M]

I have a friend with one in his reef and is ok. These guys can be tricky though. Make sure he is eating well because in the wild these guys depend mostly on sponge.

[naesco]

Originally posted by Unfair Advantage
Anyone have any stories to tell about this fish in a reef tank?

I've seen the "ok, with caution" from some articles, but I'd like to know if anyone has had actual experience with this fish.

TY

I have had no luck with this fish. Check out

http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes...s/tricolor.htm


REEForm: Never buy a fish from the Philippines or Indonesia where the use of cyanide is rampant

[EdKruzel]

Back in the day (I'm dating myself here) I had a Rock Beauty in a soft coral tank that did fine.
I credit the success to a piece of Caribbean rock (this is the dated part) that contained a large orange sponge growth.

The rock appeared as if a 1 1/2'' hole was drilled 12''s through and then a small portion was cut in half. It gave the appearence of a half moon or cup before the remainder of the hole.
This was completely encrusted with the sponge. The RB could (and did) feed from the sponge, but could never reach all of it. The sponge continued to grow outward from the hole.

I had the fish for 5yrs before moving to Texas. I sold the fish and the rock to a friend in 1995 and last I heard (in about 2002) the Rock Beauty was still fat and happy.

Without an identical setup I don't think I'd try that species again.

Good Luck,
Ed

[BoomerD]

Here's a link to Bob Fenner's WWM site on the Rock Beauty.

Holacanthus tricolor