[duster]

I was asking this quetion in the True vs. False Perc thread, but decided to start a new one. I'm seeking as many opinions as I can regarding what other fish besides a Clown to put in a 12g tank. I really want a Royal Gramma Basslet, but have been worried about their shyness. I got some relief in the Perc thread from Kevinpo (thank you), who said they will come out once settled in. If they get comfortable and swim in the open, will they go back and hide if a new person(s) is watching the tank? Its not as fun to have a stunning fish that only I enjoy, because he hides when someone else is around. What are your experiences? Is their shyness affected by their tankmates? My tank would only consist of a Clown, a cleaner shrimp, and some snails, so I would think a Gramma wouldn't feel too threatened after initial acclimation. If I decided against a Gramma, I'd consider one of the less aggressive Damsels, either a Yellowtail Blue
(C. parasema) or a Yellowbelly Blue (P. auriventris). I note the scientific names as these two types seem to be easily confused with several other types.
As much info as you wish to share will be helpful to this newbie.

[duster]

Actually, I just re-read a previous response I got from Ninong, so I don't think I'm interested in a Damsel, even if it is a less aggressive species. I'm now that much more interested in hearing about Grammas.

[the_blue_tuna]

I kept a gramma for almost 3 years. They have stunning color . It was timid, but would come out after a while. Sudden moves would send it back into the rocks .

[Reefland]

I agree with Jim. We had a Gramma in our 75 gallon and for the first couple of months was rarely seen, after that it would come out but a quick movement and he would hide.

I mentioned it in your other thread and I will here too, I would really go with 2 clowns. I know your looking for some diversity but the bound a pair of clowns will make is truely extrordinary to watch in captivity. I really recommend it.

[patsfan1130]

Originally Posted by Reefland

I agree with Jim. We had a Gramma in our 75 gallon and for the first couple of months was rarely seen, after that it would come out but a quick movement and he would hide.

I mentioned it in your other thread and I will here too, I would really go with 2 clowns. I know your looking for some diversity but the bound a pair of clowns will make is truely extrordinary to watch in captivity. I really recommend it.

As usual, Scott is giving good advice

I agree that having a pair of clowns is one of the coolest things in the hobby


Mark

[duster]

It will be another couple/three weeks before I start stocking, but all this talk about cool Clownfish is gettin' me excited. Everybody is saying a pair is just so much more fun, so at this point I don't think I can resist goin' with two.

[Reefland]

That is good to hear duster, I know you wont be disappointed. Not only is watching them bond and develop a relationship cool but hoping to provide them a stable enough environment for them to mate is the ultimate success. I hope that one day our black A. ocellaris will mate.