AboutGlenn Fritz Expertise In the process of moving folks... I'll return full time soon!
Can answer pretty much all questions regarding marine or freshwater aquariums.
Experience 4 years study in marine biology, 30 years as a hobbyist. I currently have over 3,000 gallons between the aquariums in my home.
Organizations Mid American Aquarists Society
Education/Credentials Bachelors in Structural Engineering from University Of Nebraska, Omaha. Bachelors in Psychology from Washington University, St. Louis.
Question I got a 300 gallon saltwater tank and I want to put 2 Volitan Lionfish, 1 Panther Grouper, and 1 Tessalata Eel. Are these fish compatible.
Answer Hey Thomas,
Not a simple answer. If ALL species are introduced at the same time and in similar sizes, or a MASSIVE rearrangement with each new addition, it's possible. It's not advised however. The Tesselated Moray(Gymnothorax Favagineus) can reach 5 to 6 feet in length in closed systems and will eat anything. So housing this particular moray with Pterois Volitans(up to 18 inches) usually results in dead lions and a dead moray. A waste of beautiful species. Moray mangles the lions attempting to eat and dies from the stinging. The grouper and the lions will be fine, and the grouper and the moray will be fine, you just need to watch EXTREMELY CLOSELY the moray and lion combination. You are much better off avoiding the Gymnothorax family of morays altogether, most get too large and too aggressive for most tank mates, especially Lions. hey are best left to species systems or in the oceans. The Echidna family of Morays do MUCH better with tank mates of all kinds. Catenata and Nebulosa(Chainlink and Snowflake respectively) are GREAT morays for predator combination/community tanks.
Now the Lions..... I would advise that you mix those species as well. Pterois Volitans is territorial(as are ALL Scorpinidae). Placing 2 of the same species will usually result in one dying. Bullied and starved to death. I would lean towards Pterois Volitans, Pterois Radiata and Pterois Russelis, I have kept these 3 species together myself successfully for 15 years and longer. Just mix them to have a better chance at success. Give the tank a little arrangement at each addition as well. This disrupts the territorial behavior to an extent. Let me know if you have any more questions or if I can help further.
