Fish compatibility with Picasso Trigger

[marquesalan]

I get so many different answers when it comes to who gets along with who. I have a great LFS and they have never steered me wrong. My tank is 72 gallons. I have a maroon clown, coral beauty, bird wrasse and a yellow tang. I recently purchased a Picasso Trigger since my LFS said it was compatible. Everything I have read on the internet says these fish are terrors. Does anyone have some positive feedback on keeping these together? I really love the Picasso and if I need to part with one of the other fishes that is fine.

[vjvl51]

I've never kept a Picasso - beautiful fish though. Per http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1861&articleid=1799 (a very reliable source) they are agressive, so you probably will have some problems.

I am more concerned about your stocking. The rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish (minus the tail) per 5 gallons of water. By that rule, your 72 gallon tank will confortably hold 14.4 inches of fish. The Picasso grows up to 10 inches. The tang will grow to 8 inches. I think you will have a problem. Many of us have pushed this rule now and then and got away with it until the power goes out. Then fish die. :( The fish may be small now and you will not have a problem until they get bigger.

Before I start a "war", I will point out that "rule of thumbs" are guidelines. Some decide to follow them - others decide to ignore them. I usually find that the "rule" was established for a very good reason and try to stay close to the recommended stocking levels. Yes, I have killed some fish by overstocking and then the power went out - I learned the hard way.

JMHO

Vickie

[crlkeep]

Words well spoke Vicki.

In my experience with the Picasso Trigger, they lean towards agression as adults. Juveniles and sub-adults tend to be fairly peaceful, but as they get older, they get meaner.

There is always an exception to the "rule" of fish compatibility, but as Vicki stated already, these rules didn't invent themselves.

As far as your LFS goes, although we would like to find one that we can trust, the bottom line is they are there to tell you what you want to hear in order to make a sale. I and others I am sure, could care less how much money the owners make, as long as the customer is happy. Just don't tell the owners I said that...

Whenever you get info from a LFS saleperson, always ask them how there fish is doing, this usually is followed by a response similar to one of these.

"I don't actually keep that fish"
"I don't have a saltwater tank"

I'm not knocking your LFS, simply trying to let you know that sometimes they are not what they appear to be. But, I suppose that is why you came here in the first place.

If you want what I would consider to be the most accurate up to date info on fish behaviors and compatibilities, I suggest getting some books written by Scott Micheal. It has been suspected that he is actually a reef fish in disguise....;)

[marquesalan]

Thank you so much!