Tankmates For A Picasso Trigger

[trighappy]

I am a newbie to the forum and at the advice from another member, I am being more specific on the advice that I am looking for. Basically I am in the process of cycling a 75 gallon saltwater fish only tank. My plans once cycling is finished is to plan my tank around a Picasso TriggerFish which is my absolute favorite fish. I also want to add a Spiny Box Puffer in the mix as I have read that the two will be just fine together but wanted to get some advice on what other types of fish might go well in this community. I am wanting to stay away from lionfish as I have read that the Trigger will pick apart his apendages one by one. I am looking for that colorful exotic look like you will find on the Picasso. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lion_crazz]

Well it's good that you know that lions do not do well with triggers.
The puffer will do fine with the trigger (usually), and as far as other tank mates, some wrasses, smaller groupers, and a hawkfish would make good choices for your set-up (only one from each catergory mentioned above). If you can find a larger, aggressive maroon clown, that may work as well, but that is the only clownfish species that I would even consider.
Stay away from eels, as puffers tend to bite at them. As you know, triggers will attack lions. Also, stay away from smaller fish like gobies, pseudos, and blennies because the trigger will tear these guys apart. Tangs such as a yellow, scopas, or purple might fit in your set-up, but just be aware that they will grow too large faster than you expect. Stay away from open-ocean swimming tangs such as hippos, nasos, achilles, powder blues, and any others with the oval body shape. They need a lot of swimming space, even at an early age. Also, they are not as tough as yellows, purples, and scopas tangs at an early age.

 

[fishmamma]

bump

 

[trighappy]

Thanks for the reply Lion Crazz. Doy you think that I could mix a maroon clown and a skunk clown since they are both aggressive species or would the two of them spar with each other all the time?

 

[lion_crazz]

It depends on the size of the two fish and the attitudes of each. I know of someone who mixed 2 species of clowns in their 90 (one of them being skunk) and they have had no territory issue. If it works, which it might, great, if not, just separate one (the less aggressive one) and take it back to the lfs for your credit.
In my opinion, I think the maroon would be too aggressive for a skunk, but anything could happen.