My starfish killed my trigger fish!! Pics.

[cnlight]

I also have a twenty gallon tank and I was told that no more than three fish of small size could be kept in that tank. I can't believe the lfs sold you that trigger, they get to at least 10 inches long and need a fairly large tank to be happy.
The nature of the dottyback is to be aggressive and territorial. They do not invite new comers lightly and will attack many, like yours did. I personally wouldn't add any new fish to your already to-the-limit tank. If you must, a fun fish to add would be a six line wrass, they have a bold personality and in time would be able to put up with your fish. They add some color, but seperate the other two aggressive fish and let the new one explore the tank. I hope you take things a little more slow, and try to do some research before aquiring any new fish.

 

[wingit]

Originally posted by cnlight
I also have a twenty gallon tank and I was told that no more than three fish of small size could be kept in that tank. I can't believe the lfs sold you that trigger, they get to at least 10 inches long and need a fairly large tank to be happy.
The nature of the dottyback is to be aggressive and territorial. They do not invite new comers lightly and will attack many, like yours did. I personally wouldn't add any new fish to your already to-the-limit tank. If you must, a fun fish to add would be a six line wrass, they have a bold personality and in time would be able to put up with your fish. They add some color, but seperate the other two aggressive fish and let the new one explore the tank. I hope you take things a little more slow, and try to do some research before aquiring any new fish.
Thanks for your input. In his last aquarium, also 20 gal, he had a humu trigger for over year without any problems before giving it away. Also, they aren't supposed to get anywhere near 10" in a small tank, at least that's my understanding. We were not expecting him to grow much bigger than he already was (2") - is this wrong?

 

[cnlight]

Well from what I have heard, is the triggers are supposed to get 10 inches long. Since they can't in small tank, they get stressed out, and then eventually die. Saltwater fish don't grow to there environment and stay that way. They will grow as much as they can, and then die from the stress of not being able to grow any more. I have worked a lot with freshwater fish and have seen this many times with large fish like oscars. People would put them in a 10 or a 20 gallon tank, and then wonder why there fish would be laying on the bottom and not eating after some time. Unless you can move your trigger to a bigger tank in a couple of months from when you put it in your 20 gallon, then there is no point to get one.

 

[tony detroit]

Dude, you guys are killing me I'm about to piss myself. So freaking funny. You think you friggin starfish is Jeffry Dahlmer or something.

 

[wingit]

Originally posted by cnlight
Well from what I have heard, is the triggers are supposed to get 10 inches long. Since they can't in small tank, they get stressed out, and then eventually die. Saltwater fish don't grow to there environment and stay that way. They will grow as much as they can, and then die from the stress of not being able to grow any more. I have worked a lot with freshwater fish and have seen this many times with large fish like oscars. People would put them in a 10 or a 20 gallon tank, and then wonder why there fish would be laying on the bottom and not eating after some time. Unless you can move your trigger to a bigger tank in a couple of months from when you put it in your 20 gallon, then there is no point to get one.
Well, live and learn, I guess. Never trust the guy at the LFS. I feel as though this whole thing was just the guy at the LFS trying to make a big sale. What he doesn't realize is that he is messing with these fish's LIVES. Not to mention that we almost executed the damn starfish over it.
As for the stocking of the tank, I'm really confused about the whole thing. I mean, how can a 20 gallon tank with just three small fish be at its limit!? Time for a bigger tank I guess.

 

[lovethesea]

stocking a tank is not only judged by the size of fish, but the amount of fish
will start playing a key role in the bio load/filtration.
Bigger tank time?? I lost track, where is the starfish? Do you still have him?
Ours is still very busy in the tank

 

[cnlight]

That is correct waterfaller, like if you have fish that swims a lot, but only gets to five inches, it will need a bigger tank than a fish that same size that swims less. For instance, you can have a hawkfish that gets four or five inches in a minimum of a 30 gallon, only because them don't swim all that much. A bigger tank is always better for the fish, I learned that the hard way. Then there is the yellow tang debate, they get about 8 inches, but need to be in a 75 or bigger because of how much they swim.
When I found out that I could only have three fish in my tank, I too was also disapointed. In freshwater, you can keep more fish in a tank than with saltwater. I thought it was the same, but I am very happy that I found this site before I put any fish to unwanted stress.
I hope the fish and starfish are doing well in the tank wingit. Since now that you got everything worked out, hopefully the fish and all the critters will live well together now.

 

[starfishjackedme]

Bro, you aren't the only one that got jacked by a starfish! Seastar, whatever! The one I had tried to eat my fish and then wound up in the sump, grabbed the float valve and flooded everything. No more starfish! Don't ever put one it your tank!