Are all wrasses jumpers?

[ritter6788]

After seeing all these fancy wrasses on this site I've decided I want one. The only problem I see is that they are almost all listed as jumpers and my tank is open top. I have a 75 gallon right now but I'm about to start on a 140 (48x24x28) system and I'm planning my fish stocking list. Is it a rule that the wrasse will eventually jump no matter what? The Wife says the McCosker's is the top one on the list but I can sell her on another if you can give me a better option. I've kept the sixline variety with no problems except that it was a fatso and chased my other fish so I traded it.

 

[wrasseluver]

Yes they are all jumpers.

 

[Rockadile]

In 3yrs I have not had a single wrasse jump out of my tank.

 

[BarbH]

Would it be possible for you to do a screen top for your tank ritter?

 

[VelasCorals]

I've had two different Melanurus wrasses in two different tank setups with no lids and they never jumped. Don't have experience with any other type of wrasse though.

 

[wrasseluver]

I've owned over 15 different wrasses and they all jump. I lost 6 before I added a screen top. It's better to be safe then sorry when it come to $400 wrasse.

 

[Pappy]

I've had 4 different wrasses and all have jumped. 2 different in overflows. Screen top and overflow is my suggestion.


Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ritter6788]

Would it be possible for you to do a screen top for your tank ritter?

Thanks for the quick replies everyone.

Yes it would be possible for me to do a screen top it's just not something that I've ever used and if I didn't have to have it then I wouldn't use it. Is the mesh from BRS good enough to keep wrasses in?

Search results for: 'netting'eems like the best option that doesn't block any light.

 

[BarbH]

For doing the screen tops it seems that the netting from bulk reef supplies is what I see most recommend and I believe that the openings are small enough to keep smaller fish in.

 

[Aquaph8]

The mesh from BRS is perfect but get the 1/4" not the 1/2".

 

[Aquaph8]

My wrasses bounce off my screen daily

 

[pgr11]

I made my screens with the brs 1/4" mesh and a diy screen kit from HD. Took about 15 min and works perfect. I will hear the wrasse hit the top every once in a while.

 

[soccerbag]

Agree with above. Any fish that is shaped like a torpedo can jump. Best to put the screen top on it. It's an easy and fun DIY project - BRS 1/4" netting is good stuff.

 

[Rockadile]

Is there something that makes em jump? I mean I have like 6 of them and the oly fish I have had jump was a clown.

 

[Aquaph8]

They chase each other and when they get spooked for any variety of reasons they tend to dart upward.

 

[Mike&Terry]

There are many reasons a wrasse may jump: startled, chased, excited, mating dance, etc... Adding a screen top is a simple, inexpensive solution to keep them safe.

 

[wysiwyg]

better safe then srry tops are easy to build

 

[EcoFrags]

i've got a 180 with some plexi rims that go around the top on the inside of the frame that are attached to the lip with screws...never have i had a fish jump out that didnt flop back in on his own and i've got 2 helfrichi's so i definitally dont mess around with jumpers

 

[38bill]

All fish are jumpers, some are just more inclined to jump. All fairy and flasher wrasse are big time jumpers. Halichoeres like the Melanurus are not as bad but like I said, all fish can jump. My wrasse are bouncing off the screens all of the time. Also only use the 1/4" mesh screen, do not use the 1/2" mesh. It can work just like a gill net on the bigger fish and the smaller fish can go right through it.

 

[ritter6788]

Awesome replies everyone. Thanks for all the info. I'll be screening off the tank before I buy any wrasses.