[Marcus Watts]

The mata tang (elongate surgeonfish) goes to blue reef tomorrow - I've only had her 6 or 7 weeks but its growing half an inch a week and its not fair to stick a fish that can reach 20" plus in the ocean in a tank imo. She is stunning, came in at 4 inches and is over 7" now. Food wise she eats 2 whole blocks of mysis a day and as much seaweed as i put in so its time to go to a bigger tank with other playmates.

I really dont think even an 8ft tank can keep these happy for more than 5-6 months - on a serious note maybe its best to cross these off the lists of fish stocked hey Dyl ? - (and the close cousin with the spots- that reaches 30") - Cheers to Matt and blue reef for re-homing her))

Its called dolly because Mandy says its got a mouth like a blow up doll!!

[Cass1]

Just out of interest, what would you have done if Matt had said sorry we're full?

[Cass1]

[dylan]

yeh my suplier stitched me up there was not listed as that fish !!!!

[lindsay]

Cool,the fish will be well impressed with its new home .

[dave14]

Good move, I'm sure it will be happier now.
I think we're all guilty of buying fish on impulse that are not suited to our systems. If we all researched well before buying then these fish would not be bought and if they don't sell the shops wont stock them. Sorted

[Marcus Watts]

Cass1, on May 11 2010, 06:44 AM, said:

Just out of interest, what would you have done if Matt had said sorry we're full?

haha, there were many options.....................

put it hand luggage and let it go when I'm on holiday

feed it to Matts shark - keeps it in natures food chain !!

BBQ with chilli and cajun spice

There was no chance on this though as they never had this species and were really looking forward to getting it. There are loads of sailfins there now so think sailfin and reread above options !!!!!

(slightly tongue in cheek, they are nice to eat though - loads of recipes on google)

Regarding research - unfortunately it was mis identified on the import list, that lead to it reaching lfs under another name, after I had her in the tank and spent hours tracking down what species it is it was clear the fish needed a sealife center rather than an aquarium. Good job i got it really as 90% of buyers would have left it squeezed in rather than being willing to give it away.
Once you see the bluereef tanks you can see we are only babysitting lipstick, vampire, sailfin and dozens of others - ultimately they all need way more room than any home aquarium can offer.