Pilot Fish

[petem]

Does anyone have these interesting looking fish? I've seen them at the lfs. they are always in a school. Can you buy them separately? Do they get very large? Thanks.

 

[lion_crazz]

Pilot fish are definitely cool looking fish. You can buy them separately. In fact, I have only seen them sold around here separately. However, only expert aquarists should house these interesting fish because: they get to be 3', they require a tank of at least 300 or 400 gallons because of their rapid growth, they would much rather be kept in schools of pilotfish, and they will eat smaller fish.

 

[pufferman]

They are best kept in a school, but this is out of the question since it will require an extremely huge aquarium. I'm not sure if you're willing to do that. They would be miserable in a 300g tank. You should look at >1000 gallon for a full-sized adult. Also they lose their attractive yellow coloration and black stripes as they grow, and turn into a completely metallic silvery looking fish.

 

[petem]

Okay, since I'm only keeping my 72. I guess that answers my question. LOL. Thanks.