Bannerfish

[fishfatty]

Does anyone have any expierence with these? I know they are schooling fish, whats the minimum size tank size for them? Are they considered reef safe? Any other difficulties with them? Thanks!

 

[lion_crazz]

They are not a reef safe fish, usually. Steve Weast (Oregon Reef ) has some beautiful banners in his reef, though.
I would go with 3 to 5 of these guys, at least.

 

[xoxox]

They are great schoolers but will nip at everything. If your getting more than one I would suggest a tank at least 180 (6 feet long), they can grow to be quite large. They'll actually follow you from side to side as a group but boy do they love to destroy coral.

 

[sepulatian]

IMO they do not necessarily need to be kept in a school. They do quite well on their own and have alot of personality. They are not reef safe and will nip at your rock.

 

[xdave]

I agree, they are fine by themselves also. If you have the room though go for the school. There aren't a lot of fish, besides damsels, that can be kept that way. Just get an odd number of them.
As with most schooling fish, the swim fast and far as their defense, not hide. So with that in mind, you need a 6' tank.
They are pretty hardy.
As XoXoX said, they will watch you as much as you watch them.

 

[barronsmom]

Will Bannerfish do alright in a 55 gal. with 55 lbs of live rock, a Royal Gramma and 3 little clowns?

 

[baloo6969]

Originally Posted by BarronsMom
Will Bannerfish do alright in a 55 gal. with 55 lbs of live rock, a Royal Gramma and 3 little clowns?
sure they'll do alright for a week or 2...then kick the bucket...they grow to be very large, and need lots of swimming room.
answer is no

 

[nikkita]

I have had mine and a powder blue in my 55 for almost two years now and they are both doing great. The rock is positioned far enough from each side that they have plenty of room to swim circles around and they actually swim side by side. I will upgrade to a 210 in near future but so far they have done well.

 

[triga22]

Yea. He also looks faded in the picture. I dont think hes in the best health.

 

[nikkita]

Picture may look like it, but he is actually not.

 

[seattle]

Uuumm..I feel bad EVERY single store in Western Washington that has SW Fish says bannerfish will be fine in 55-gallon tanks and they grow VERY slowley.And yes despite most butterflyfish they ARE reef safe.So are Copperebands,but those are only 2 species.OH and Carribean Longsnouts GREAT FISH! But a small single Bannerfish would be good so it can get accustomed.I'm sick of people understimating fish.You actually DON'T KNOW it depends on what that fish likes and doesn't like.What you read in books won't always be what you get at all

Oh well if I don't wanna follow a 1inch of fish per 5-gallon rule I won't.I don't think Bannerfish have to be known like Moorish Idols too