Microcanthus strigatus

[csababubbles]

I have a 5" Microcanthus strigatus (stipey) in a 125 gallon. Do you think I can add a 4" Saddleback Butterfly fish to this tank in terms of compatability?

Thanks!

 

[leebca]

I would say, "Yes" except for the sizes involved = too close in size. You might have an idea as to the the personality of the one you have and if it runs the usual forMicrocanthus sp. then you won't get any problems from this one. These fish make a generally good community fish. Is this fish very active? The Saddlebacks can go either way. My experience is about 50/50. Half the time they seem to be assertive; the other half, passive.

If you now own the Saddleback or if it is somewhere you can observe it, you might have/get a handle on its personality. If the SB will be a fish new to captivity, it may have problems, but with an appropriate quarantine time and getting to know you and you it, I think I would say go ahead.

 

[csababubbles]

Thanks for taking time to help with my question, Lee.

As your your questions,

The stripey is very active but has never bothered any fish in the few years I've had him.

The saddleback was assertive to my copper band and regal angel so he was banished to a tank with an emp angel, puffer, and pair of banner fish with no problems.

So I am hoping a large resident stripey will be ok with a smaller but assertive saddleback?

 

[leebca]

There could be problems. Under the circumstances there may only be a 30% chance they would get along. I would proceed IF it isn't difficult to get one out of the DT after putting them together.