Sea Robin -- anyone with experience with these?

[HClH2OFish]

My g/f and I just got back from the LFS where we purchased the most beautiful young Sea Robin (also known as the Helmeted Gunard)
He's very small right now, only about 1-1/2" so he's currently happy in our 15gal (no flames please, we're upgrading to a 30 very soon and do realize he'll eventually need a 250-300)
Question is - We have found little information on this species being kept in aquaria--we have read that they aren't picky eaters, bottom dwellers, generally peaceful, etc. but any info we can get from someone that has experience with this fish would be much appreciated.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Len]

Sea Robins belong to the genus Prionotus. There are many species in this genus. However, you may actually have a Dactyloptena orientalis which resembles Sea Robins and are often sold as such as well. These are one of the more unique looking fish as I'm sure that's what attracted you to it.

Prionotus and Dactyloptena sp. both eat just about everything, including some things you may want to have in your tank such as beneficial worms, clams, and crustaceans. It'll scavage most of the time, so don't be suprised if it doesn't come up for food when you feed. They're peaceful, not bugging anything or being bugged by anything.

Both need lots of swimming space, and Prionotus sp. require deep sand beds (at least 4-6") due to their feeding habit and inclination to burrow when freightened. A 30 gallon will not keep these guys for more then several months. Hopefully you have one of the smaller species in which case a 100 gallon or more will be sufficient for long term welfare of this species.

Just a friendly reminder: it's a good idea to inquire about species you aren't familiar with prior to buying it. Some LFS will not take fish back, so some people get stuck with 18" monsters grown from cute little juveniles

 

[HClH2OFish]

I'll do some research on the other species you mentioned. It may be one of these, as he does look a little different from the Sea Robins I've seen online. He's got the full armored head, which has horns on top (for want of a better word) When his pectorals are extended, they currently have a beautiful orange edging to them. His eyes are bluish colored, and he does have the fingerlike fins which he likes to balance himself on. He also seems more 'compact' than what I've seen online....looks almost like a cross between a scooter bleeny, a dragon wrasse and a hovercraft fish complete with landing gearr!

We had seen another like him in a diff. LFS that was full grown so we knew what we're getting into as far as size, feeding, etc. We're just curious if anyone has raised one of these guys so we don't get any unexpected surprises.

FWIW, the 30gal will only be temporary as we'll be moving in a few months. He'll be getting him a nice large tank all his own to play and grow in.
And, to be honest, I didn't think about the hermits in the tank...at the size he's at now, will he likely try to eat them?

 

[HClH2OFish]

One more thing I'd like to add for those reading this thread.
Please be aware that as previously stated, you should know as *much* as possible about the fish you're going to purchase.
We knew he's a pretty nonfinicky eater, but forgot about our hermit crabs in the tank :? ...right now he's too small to mess with them, but he'll see them as snacks as he gets larger.
We did know he'll get to be 12-18" and are prepared to get a large enough tank for him. He'll eventually be in a 250-300 gal specialty tank along with another tankmate, most likely a ray.
When you find a fish that you know will get larger, just remember that even if the LFS tells you he won't get that large for 2 years he'll still be growing in that time.
Figuring a steady growth rate for our guy and if he only gets to be 13" that still figures out to 1/2" of growth per MONTH 8O .

He'll only be in the 30 until we complete our move cross country in 5 months....we don't want to get a 250-300 gal tank and set it up as it will be cycled just in time to break it down and move. Not a pleasant thought.

And thanks to all so far for the great info. Haven't heard of anyone keeping these guys, hence the post to get any info

 

[HClH2OFish]

BTW, just found out his species
He's a Prionotus ophryas
Great pic at this link:
http://species.fishindex.com/species_40 ... hryas.html

 

[Anonymous]

Wow! I have never even heard of this fish.

That's why I love this hobby so much...the learning never ends!