Flying Gnard needs a room mate?

seastarr

seastarr

New Member
:notsure: I bought the Gnard about six mo ago, Not knowing what he was(yes I am crazy) He was a cute little thing at 3" at 10" he is impressive. The largest tank I have is 135gal. I am pulling all the coral and 160 lbs of live rock and small fish out of that tank.
I under stand he will get up to 18 to24" is this corect? and can I put a map angel and a small school of butterflys with him? He does not seem agressive sucks in his food likes his head petted and spits water spouts at me to get attention, this is the coolest fish I've ever had. I also need to sell some live rock to make room for him anyone interested.
 
littlebuck

littlebuck

Active Member
Wanted to see what you were talking about and here is a little info i found. Looks like a pretty neat fish.
Gurnard, Flying
(Dactyloptena ,orientalis)
Characteristics:
The flying gurnard is characterized by its spectacular pectoral (side) fins that look like wings. Its body is gray speckled with dark spots, giving the fish a mottled appearance. The large, wing-like pectoral fins are dark with a dazzling purple or orange outline. It has a fairly large head from which the rest of the body tapers down to a small fan-like tail fin.
Habitat:
This fish inhabits the warm waters of eastern Africa, Polynesia and Australia and is commonly found in estuaries, coastal bays and sandy areas ranging from 10 meters to 100 meters in depth.
Size and Weight:
The flying gurnard can reach 38 cm in length.
Diet and Feeding:
The flying gurnard eats a carnivorous diet made up of bottom dwellers, such as small invertebrates and possibly other smaller fishes. This fish is also a good scavenger and helps to keep the ocean bottom clean.
Behavior:
This fish is very active and assertive around other fish on the reef, especially during feeding. When excited or agitated, it quickly spreads its pectoral fins to an enormous and surprising expanse. This behavior serves to startle a potential predator or to camouflage with the environment.
 
seastarr

seastarr

New Member
I may have a slight color veration, the tops of his wings are almost totaly purple and blue and he has a lot of blue spots on his body. the fish is just funny, he has fins like legs that he walks on, has fins like arms that he moves and digs like a dog in the substraite. when he spreads his wings he is a foot across, head like a frog, body of a big catfish. He will eat anything. Love this fish, Please tell me he will be OK in a 135gal? The old man said if I get another tank I'm sleeping in it. Does any one know if melon or lattic butterflys will school, if not what is a good schooling yellow butterfly?
 
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