Livening Up My 40 Breeder

In a reef tank fish really won't ever school. There are a couple species that may show some "shoaling" behavior, but even then its limited due to the typically non-aggressive environment of a reef tank. They feel comfortable because of lack of predators and don't find it necessary to group up.

The 40 breeder size limits you even more. You'd need something pretty small to get a decent sized group.


Chromis - I've never had them, but it sounds like the consensus is you start with a group and eventually it dwindles down to 1 or 2

Anthias - Nice small fish, but some species can be difficult. They do best with several feedings a day. At one time I had 7 or 8 in my tank I am now down to 2.

Cardinal fish - I don't have experience with these, but I have been doing a little research. From what I have been reading some species do seem to show some good shoaling behavior in reef tanks. Plus they stay pretty small. One I have been looking at is the threadfin cardinalfish.


Personally I would skip looking for a group of "schooling" fish for your tank, I don't think you will ever actually get what you are after. And there are too many issues with groups of the same fish, especially in a small tank like yours. Instead get a variety of small, active fish. One or two chromis, A couple anthias, maybe a wrasse.

for small fish I have a couple anthias, and several different wrasse in my tank. They are always out and actively swimming around throughout the entire tank.

 

I think its similar as the other ones, but either way they are a cool fish and would be another good option for a couple small fish to add to the tank..

 

How long have you had the cardinals? Everyone that has them seems to say the same thing about them being underrated.