Longnose Hawkfish

[Liquid]

I'm looking at adding this fish to my tank and I'm wondering what people's experiences with them have been. Right now there are no fish in my tank. My plan is to add 2 clowns first, then the longnose, then after that there will be some tangs (definitely a hippo and maybe a powder blue), foxface lo, flame angel (aware of the possible conflict with SPS), maybe a coral beauty, and a few (3?) lyretail anthias. In addition to your advice on keeping this fish (based on WWM seems to be a pretty good citizen and addition) what are your thoughts about adding him second to the tank? My impression is that the other types of fish that I'm adding are probably more aggressive and this would be the right place to add him. Thoughts?

Tank is 125g and will be mostly SPS with some LPS.

 

[ReeferMedic]

The Long Nose Hawk may be prone to nipping at hermits and other small inverts. I seriously think 3 Surgeon Fish is too many for a 125 though. I have a Sohol Tang and a PBT in a 7' 210 and they actively swim the whole length of the tank and are aggressive toward each other when hungry. Just the other day, my PBT had a 1/2" slash on it from the Sohol, because I was a little late with the Nori. If you push the limits with these fish, they could wind up being constantly stressed and promote ich on a regular basis in your tank. Tangs are beautiful fish, but most of them get big quick. HTH, JME......

 

[Liquid]

I definitely appreciate the feedback. The PBT would be the last addition, so I will be able to evaluate whether or not it seems like a good idea prior to making that decision.

 

[G.T]

without commenting on any other stock. The long nose would make a fine citizen but may take smaller cleaner shrimps. If the shrimp is in before hand then they stand a chance. apart from that you'll be fine.

 

[ReeferMedic]

You'll have better luck adding 2 Tangs/Surgeons at the same time also. If you do one at a time, the resident surgeon probably won't appreciate the company of the new one. I had to remove my PBT when I added the Sohol. The PBT slashed up and down both sides of the Sohol within minutes of adding him. I got lucky and was able to catch the PBT. I put him back in the display a few days later and they are fine together to this day. As "fine" as you can expect these 2 to get along at least. Good luck!

 

[starrfish]

The Longnose is an excellent addition. Just make sure you have a cover on your tank - I had one that jumped THROUGH egg crate! And he was a good size too. Good luck.

 

[Liquid]

Aaaaarg, that's exactly what I was going to use to cover the tank. Thanks for the feedback all.

Is this a fish that is generally stocked locally or would it need to be ordered?

 

[ReeferMedic]

I see them at various lfs pretty frequently.

 

[G.T]

just my little bit of input for tangs. acanthurus spcs should only be mixed in very large aquariums. I managed 3 in my 11ftr but at first it was no perfect harmony believe me.

 

[Bidadari]

I saw longnose hawkfish yesterday at Skipton. They're cool looking fish; the only thing I'm not sure whether they will nip at clams though.

 

[RichConley]

I havent really heard of any trouble with clams, but i'd think that pepermint shrimp would be toast.