Picking a new editor photo presents some of the same challenges as choosing a new fish or invertebrate does for our aquariums. There are many variables to consider.
Using the bottom right photo to illustrate, compatibility is one such consideration when we are looking to add a new fish or invertebrate to our tanks, be they fresh or salt. Feisty, mean fish may not be suitable for our community setups. Likewise, certain corals are known to sting other inverts, including other corals, within range. If something looks or is known to be aggressive, then consider keeping it in a single-species setup or by itself.
Aesthetics is another big factor when choosing livestock for our tanks. Consider the top right photo. We want dazzling colors, interesting patterns, spectacular finnage for fish and even corals that fluoresce. Just look at the Japanese big eye on the cover. It is a shocking orange, its fins look sharp enough to cut glass and its impressive eye commands attention. Of course, just because an animal doesn’t immediately grab us isn’t reason alone to discount it. Perhaps, its subdued colors may only be a guise for some unique behavior, such as the angling tactics employed by sit-and-wait predators like frogfish.
Like many workaday folks, I don’t usually hit my stride until I’ve downed a nice cup of coffee, after which I’m caffeine buzzing around the office like a nervous inductee in a tank of large predatory fish. We often want diurnal fish that shoal or are active swimmers. We want them to have a strong presence in our tanks. We may even refer to such active fish as “display” fish. Whether soft corals and anemones that wave in the current or a shoal of cardinalfish turning with military precision, lively, active livestock is something we desire for our tanks. We want our tanks to move.
Regardless of whether we stress attractiveness, behavior or a combination of the two, aquarists of all levels need to take a thoughtful approach when purchasing and placing newly acquired fish. Attractiveness and coolness aside, will our new aquatic wards find their new surroundings to be exactly what they need for a quality captive life — something to ponder?
It matters not what fish traits you prefer; what’s truly important is learning all you can about new recruits before introducing them into your home setup. Not having the full complement of information may lead to a new animal’s quick demise or, worse yet, the new animal may wreak havoc among your established fish and inverts. To this end, in this issue of FAMA (as in every issue) we aim to add to the husbandry knowledge base for a myriad of aquarium enthusiasts.