Can I mix wrasses?

[AydenLincoln]

I have a 75-gallon with a male melanurus wrasse and I would like to get another wrasse. Can I get a female of a different species? Recommendations or ones that would be compatible? I assume another male no matter the species probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

 

[Troylee]

@i cant think @Petcrazyson @SaltyT

 

[BriansBrain]

Most wrasses will turn male regardless if you add them as a juvenile/female. I would stay away from other wrasses that bury in the sand especially of the Halichoeres genus. Depends on the individual wrasse, but my melanarus was a jerk to other wrasses. You could try a fairy wrasse. Here’s a helpful fairy wrasse chart

 

[nkyreef]

Usually no issues mixing wrasses. I have about fifteen in my 100 gallon. If you want to stay extra safe maybe avoid other Halichoeres, especially a lunar. You still have a large enough tank that I wouldn't think you would have problems. I'd check out the fairy wrasses - so many options out there.

 

[Slocke]

I have a 75-gallon with a male melanurus wrasse and I would like to get another wrasse. Can I get a female of a different species? Recommendations or ones that would be compatible? I assume another male no matter the species probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

Actually a male of a different genus will probably work!
There are a few great genera of wrasse that get along great. I actually have 10 wrasse of 7 genera in my 110.
The ones I suggest are: fairies, flashers, pigs or halichoeres like the Melanurus, leopards, or the pink streak for your tank size.
Some of my favorites are:
The exquisite fairy
Rhomboid fairy
Lubbocks fiary
Naoko fairy
Blue flasher
Margined
Radiant
Yellow (coris)
Blue star leopard
Common leopard
Ornate leopard
Black leopard

 

[Slocke]

All About Reef Safe Wrasses in Aquaria

Introduction My name is Hunter and I am a wrasse addict. Admitting such is the first step to buying another wrasse, I think. Wrasses are not only my passion, but my niche in this hobby since 2010. My tank is full of them, and unfortunately...

www.reef2reef.com

Here’s a great article

 

[AydenLincoln]

All About Reef Safe Wrasses in Aquaria

Introduction My name is Hunter and I am a wrasse addict. Admitting such is the first step to buying another wrasse, I think. Wrasses are not only my passion, but my niche in this hobby since 2010. My tank is full of them, and unfortunately...

www.reef2reef.com

Here’s a great article

This is great to know! Thanks!

 

[AydenLincoln]

Most wrasses will turn male regardless if you add them as a juvenile/female. I would stay away from other wrasses that bury in the sand especially of the Halichoeres genus. Depends on the individual wrasse, but my melanarus was a jerk to other wrasses. You could try a fairy wrasse. Here’s a helpful fairy wrasse chart

Thank you!

 

[KrisReef]

Lots of great information so far. I hate to say it, but it looks like you've got your wrasse covered now!

Let us know what you get and how it works out.

Follow up question for the board,

Would a Harlequin tusk work with the melanurus? I'm fond of the H. tusk

 

[steveschuerger]

I have a Melanurus and Red Velvet fairy in my 60 . They’re fine with each other.

 

[steveschuerger]

I have a Melanurus and Red Velvet fairy in my 60 . They’re fine with each other.

And a Black Leopard juvie until an anemone(Joker) ate it. Nem is out of the tank. Would love to get another leopard.