Best wrasse

phil bevilacqua · May 18, 2019

what’s best for keeping any hitchhikers that might make it in? Flat worm , worms, bugs. Ect.... Thanks

Hitman · May 18, 2019

Personally I like the Yellow Corris Wrasse, the Six Line is good as well but they are known to grow up to be jerks.

Jet915 · May 18, 2019

Melanarus would be my vote.

nereefpat · May 18, 2019

Tank size?
Do you have sand?
Will it be the only wrasse?

phil bevilacqua · May 18, 2019

nereefpat said:
Tank size?
Do you have sand?
Will it be the only wrasse?

220 gal. A little sand and I have a malunius wrasse now , do it will be second one

nereefpat · May 19, 2019

phil bevilacqua said:
220 gal. A little sand and I have a malunius wrasse now , do it will be second one

Nice, big tank then. There really aren't too many wrasses that you couldn't keep.

I would still stay away from six line, mystery, and their close cousins.

Small wrasses like possum and pink streak are cool, but you won't see them much in a 220.

I think small/ medium Halichoeres wrasses, like your melanurus would be best. H. chrysus, luecoxanthus, claudia would be ones to look into. Should be able to add those to a melanurus, especially if it isn't a terminal male yet.

Dragon52 · May 19, 2019

Jet915 said:
Melanarus would be my vote.

+1

Bob Weigant · May 19, 2019

What about Leopard’s ? Mine are always in search of pods or anything else that might move

nereefpat · May 19, 2019

Bob Weigant said:
What about Leopard’s ? Mine are always in search of pods or anything else that might move

Good suggestion

Jesterrace · May 19, 2019

phil bevilacqua said:
what’s best for keeping any hitchhikers that might make it in? Flat worm , worms, bugs. Ect.... Thanks

Halichoeres Wrasses (ie Yellow Wrasse, Melanurus Wrasse, Red Lined) will do the job without the ugly 6 line attitude. Leopard Wrasses aren't known for their pest removal services and are delicate shippers to boot (many don't survive long in captivity). Be aware that the Halichoeres can pick off small inverts as well (ie snails, hermits and small shrimp). Be aware that an established Melanurus can give newer Wrasses a hard time, but given that it is a 220 gallon it shouldn't be as big of a problem. My Melanurus has still never forgiven me for adding my Blue Star Leopard Wrasse, although they tolerate each other more often than not now.