Adding a third fairy wrasse - suggestions please!

[reefknight]

I have a 185gal display tank that already contains both a large male Pink Margin and Pylei. The Pink Margin is very docile and I only see him defend himself versus either the Pylei or a large female clownfish as she can be nasty at times. The Pylei will flash as soon as the daytime lights come on and will run my male Bartlett for a couple of minutes and then settles down and all goes back to normal. The only other time he flashes is when food goes in the water, but he doesn't get aggressive at that point.

Tank inhabitants are;
Male Pink Margin - 4"+
Male Pylei - 4"+
Male Blonde Naso - 4"+
Fowleri Surgeon - 2.5"
Bartlett Anthias trio - 3"
Aussie Darwin B/W clown pair - Female - 3" / Male - 2"
Mandarin

I'm considering adding a smaller male Lineatus wrasse (2.5-3") as one of my LFS has some very nice, quarantined and eating anything and everything. They have been treated for parasites as well by the store and have been there for a few weeks. My concern, of course, is the Pylei being pugnacious and attempting to run / starve the Lineatus. I added both of the fairy wrasses together before as they were originally purchased as a pair of Pylei. Quickly though we found out though that wasn't the case.

Can anyone offer any suggestions of adding this third wrasse to my pair? Thoughts and suggestions are welcomed!

 

[Mike&Terry]

We have quite a number of wrasses (Fairy's, Flashers and Leopards) that peacefully coexist. We use an acclimation box to introduce all new fish and it does a great job of alleviating tensions as the fish not only have an opportunity to meet & great, but also get used to the new fish w/out causing damage. It will also give you the opportunity to spot feed your new fish w/out competition.

 

[reefknight]

We have quite a number of wrasses (Fairy's, Flashers and Leopards) that peacefully coexist. We use an acclimation box to introduce all new fish and it does a great job of alleviating tensions as the fish not only have an opportunity to meet & great, but also get used to the new fish w/out causing damage. It will also give you the opportunity to spot feed your new fish w/out competition.

What type of acclimation box do you use? I've seen one or two in some photo threads before but haven't seen them for sale. The only thing my LFS has is the little critter keeper ones, and those really aren't that great.

Thanks!

 

[btkrausen]

FWIW, I've heard that Pink Margin and Lineatus don't get along because of their similarity.

I bought my acclimation box from 4coral.com, but I don't think they are shipping out any longer.

 

[reefknight]

FWIW, I've heard that Pink Margin and Lineatus don't get along because of their similarity.

I bought my acclimation box from 4coral.com, but I don't think they are shipping out any longer.

I was concerned about this as well. I wasn't sure though as I've seen tanks with plenty amounts of wrasses.

 

[Mike&Terry]

...I bought my acclimation box from 4coral.com, but I don't think they are shipping out any longer.

From personal experience, they're not. Placed an order last year and waited for over a month - never could get in touch thru email or phone, found out thru other hobbyist's who were in the same situation that the business was closed; not sure why the website is still up.

Reef Gently acclimation boxes are available thru some of our sponsors (Live Aquaria, Marine Depot and Premium Aquatics come to mind).

 

[evolved]

Oh that's a bummer on those acclimation boxes; I hadn't heard that yet.

And yes, as stated, a Pink Margin and a Lineatus don't always get along. The seemingly appear too similar to each other. Might work; might not.

Pylei's are also known to be on the more aggressive side, as you've discovered.

I'd say your safest bet would be any of the more peaceful fairys; many come to mind. Budget and color palette would drive recommendations.

 

[Crooks]

Where is a good thread about the compatbility of flashers and fairys? I have 7 now and guess I should read up as my last fish was a Lineatus and I wanted my next to be a Pink Margin.

 

[evolved]

I've touched on some specific compatibility in my guide, but not all: All About Reef Safe Wrasses - 3reef Forums

 

[reefknight]

Oh that's a bummer on those acclimation boxes; I hadn't heard that yet.

And yes, as stated, a Pink Margin and a Lineatus don't always get along. The seemingly appear too similar to each other. Might work; might not.

Pylei's are also known to be on the more aggressive side, as you've discovered.

I'd say your safest bet would be any of the more peaceful fairys; many come to mind. Budget and color palette would drive recommendations.

That's rather sad news indeed, but wise advice. I'll have to think this through a little more. Thank you for a link to the guide, didn't catch it before.

 

[reefknight]

We have quite a number of wrasses (Fairy's, Flashers and Leopards) that peacefully coexist. We use an acclimation box to introduce all new fish and it does a great job of alleviating tensions as the fish not only have an opportunity to meet & great, but also get used to the new fish w/out causing damage. It will also give you the opportunity to spot feed your new fish w/out competition.

I meant to ask which wrasses do you have existing peacefully together?

Also I'm trying to source a nice acclimation box at this time. I really did like the ones by 4coral.com, bummer that they're no longer around. I've seen the one by Reef Gently, not sure about it seems like they're marketing it as an all in one solution. Anyone have any experience with it? Any other ones out there that I should be looking at as well?

Thanks!

 

[Mike&Terry]

Hi Bill, Here is a current list of wrasses in our DT:
(1) male Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis
(1) male Lineatus Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus lineatus
(1) male Flame Wrasse - Cirrhilabrus jordani
(2) Rhomboid Fairy Wrasse – Cirrhi labrus rhomboidalis (2 females)
(3) Eightline Flasher Wrasse - Paracheilinus octotaenia (1 male, 2 females)
(2) Bell’s Flasher Wrasse - Paracheilinus bellae
(3) Blue Star Leopard Wrasse - Macropharyngodon bipartitus (1 male, 2 females)
(1) female Kuiter’s Leopard Wrasse – Macropharyngodon kuiteri
(1) African Cleaner Wrasse - Labroides dimidiatus

I have not personally tried the Reef Gently box, but have a friend that has one and he is very pleased with it as it does have some added functionality. I purchased my custom acclimation box online from Elite Aquatics. After the fiasco with 4coral, Tyler was a pleasure to deal with.





-Terry

 

[reefknight]

Wow, that is quite an impressive list of wrasse. It gives me hope that I may yet be able to mix a few more into my livestock list yet. I just recently discovered Elite Aquatics and was actually looking at theirs, as they look quite impressive. What size is yours since its custom?

 

[Aquaph8]

I keep thinking about adding a lineatus with my rubrimarginatus but I keep chickening out. My pink margin is very large and has never shown any aggression twords any other wrasses but you never know. I think Im gonna do Rhomboidalis first.

 

[Mike&Terry]

Our fish are very laid back and peaceful. It helps that we feed them 3x per day and have provided them with lots of places to hide or chill out in.

The dimensions for our box are 12"x6"x8".

 

[Aquaph8]

I did have to remove my rubripinnis recently, poor little eightline flasher wouldn't have stood a chance. I released him from the acclimation box and he got beat pretty good and then darted back into the acclimation box and I put the lid back on. LOL, bet that would never happen twice.

 

[Mike&Terry]

I keep thinking about adding a lineatus with my rubrimarginatus but I keep chickening out. My pink margin is very large and has never shown any aggression twords any other wrasses but you never know. I think Im gonna do Rhomboidalis first.

I may be wrong, but it seems to me that most aggression/fights boil down to food and sleeping/hiding places - as long as plenty of both is provided they will usually coexist.

 

[Mike&Terry]

I did have to remove my rubripinnis recently, poor little eightline flasher wouldn't have stood a chance. I released him from the acclimation box and he got beat pretty good and then darted back into the acclimation box and I put the lid back on. LOL, bet that would never happen twice.

WOW. No, that probably would not happen again. How is the Eightline doing? Is the rubripinnis in timeout or did you re-home?

 

[reefknight]

I keep thinking about adding a lineatus with my rubrimarginatus but I keep chickening out. My pink margin is very large and has never shown any aggression twords any other wrasses but you never know. I think Im gonna do Rhomboidalis first.

Mine is the same way, very peaceful. He's always the good one out of the two of mine. It really has me thinking about it though. So I did purchase the Lineatus, I won't be able to pick it up until Sunday. He can start out in my frag tank which is pretty much empty to get started with. It'll give him a little bit of peace to start and also time for me to obtain an acclimation box. After I'm sure he's fine and eating well, I will attempt the acclimation box route. If I notice too much aggression, I can then make a decision on what to do. The worse case scenario is that I have to sell him to a club member. But at least I will have tried and know that I can't, then I can move on to other species to mix and mingle. I'll keep the thread updated.

Terry - I do have plenty of rock and I feed multiple times a day, my fish are all nice and fat.Hopefully that will assist in the addition of this fish as well.

I appreciate everyone's input on this and respect your views and experiences.

 

[Aquaph8]

After the new guy smack around from everybody I completely agree. There is some exceptions though, the rubripinnis was a great example. This fish changed over time and became a monster. He was male when I got him but got more mature and very pretty but it came with some attitude.