Can I have a wrasse?

[Streetlamp]

My local store has some melanarus wrasse that I'd like to get on of. However I think I might be borderline on my tank size. 80cmx47cmx40cm (WxHxD) 31"x18.5"x15.7".

Here's the tank.

IMG-4670 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158173144@N02/, on Flickr

If the melanarus is not suitable are there any wrasse that are?

 

[hyprc]

My local store has some melanarus wrasse that I'd like to get on of. However I think I might be borderline on my tank size. 80cmx47cmx40cm (WxHxD) 31"x18.5"x15.7".

Here's the tank.

IMG-4670 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/158173144@N02/, on Flickr

If the melanarus is not suitable are there any wrasse that are?

Minimum recommended tank size for them is 50 gal, looks like you're around half that. You do have sand which is a plus but unless you're willing to just keep a juvenile until he gets to about 'medium' size, I wouldn't recommend it. Also, avoid six lines in a tank that small. They'll claim the whole tank and kill everything. They may be small but they're pure evil.

 

[Streetlamp]

Thanks I'm prob closer to the 38gal mark. I always question the min tank size as I believe foot print is equally important.

A sixline is definitely off the cards.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Pink streak wrasse or any of the possum wrasse species would work.

 

[AquaRaider44]

I don't really understand everone's six line hate. I have had one in a 13.5, 34, and 66 gal and yes they can be jerks to new fish but if you overfeed for a week like 4x a day and double the amount each time and the fish are well fed and healthy going in I have never had a real issue. Currently in my 66 I even have a Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubeus) that is one of the most peaceful fish I own and the six line hated him for about a week but slowly left him alone. Read about keeping any six line and fairy wrasses and you will see it's very rare to almost non existent. Food=happiness

 

[eatbreakfast]

IME sixlines have been the number one problem fish that has needed to be removed from client's tanks, even heavily overfed tanks.

Some individuals do have success with them, but there are numerous factors that can affect their demeanor, and they become aggressive for more people than not.

 

[Bryce M.]

IME sixlines have been the number one problem fish that has needed to be removed from client's tanks, even heavily overfed tanks.

Some individuals do have success with them, but there are numerous factors that can affect their demeanor, and they become aggressive for more people than not.

Even more than damsels?

 

[Bryce M.]

honestly, a possum would be good!

 

[hyprc]

I call those who keep six lines in tanks under ~55gal that happen to be docile lucky. I tried overfeeding mine, he just hated other fish in HIS tank... not saying other wrasses share the same aggressive tendencies

 

[Salt & Peper]

A wrasse is well worth doing a tank upgrade to own. (Speaking from personal experience lol). But if a six line wrasse is the only fish\shrimp in the tank they are truly a joy to watch!

 

[eatbreakfast]

Even more than damsels?

Damsels have a worse reputation so are avoided in new tanks, at least with my customers.

 

[Bryce M.]

Damsels have a worse reputation so are avoided in new tanks, at least with my customers.

ah yeah the rep, though sometimes those buggers do temp me

 

[Streetlamp]

My current stock is 2 clowns, royal gramma (possibly soon to be evicted as he's a jerk), tailspot blenny, and neon goby.

I'm looking to get a larger meatier fish in there.

 

[eatbreakfast]

ah yeah the rep, though sometimes those buggers do temp me

Some of the Chrysiptera species are well behaved.

 

[Bossman]

The possum and pink streak wrasse are small fish. My pink streak hardly ventures out of his rock hole long enough to be seen. I have the yellow banded possum wrasse now which can be seen, but still not a very active fish. I've had a couple of Tanaka Possums and those you might not even see for a month at a time.

I would think a flasher wrasse would be good in a tank that size. The carpenter's and Mckosker's only get to about 3". I kept a McKosker's in my RS 170 for some time. I have a Scarlett Pin Striped wrasse in the 170 now. Nice fish but I can't have any other wrasses with it or anything that's shaped like it. I had a 6-line that was a very nice fish, but wouldn't allow another wrasse in the tank without tormenting it.

 

[T_BONE]

I I have a six line in a 32 Biocube and one in my 120. I have not had any issues with aggression from either. But I have heard that they can be problem children!! Lol. I like the possum wrasses. Something about em. Idk. But make sure you have a tight lid for your tank if you get one because some are jumpers!!

 

[Jesterrace]

Definitely not a Melanurus in that size tank. I had a small juvie in my 36 but he was only in there for about 5 months before I upgraded to my current 90 gallon. 2 years later and it's a fair bit larger and uses every inch of my 90 gallon and still has a couple of inches to grow. I agree with the 6 line being a fish to avoid. Many get them small and claim no issues until they mature and then they have a pescacidal maniac to retrieve and it's not an easy fish to catch. It's a bit on the small side tank wise, but a Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse might work and they are stunning fish and relatively inexpensive as well: