China Pearl Wrasse Question

danenelsen · Dec 28, 2022

Hello all,

I am currently thinking about adding a China Pearl Wrasse into my tank. The problem is my tank is only 55 gallons and from what I've read they need at least 120 gallons. The Wrasse I'm looking at is small (less than 2 inches) so I was wondering if I could keep the Wrasse in my tank until it gets bigger?

blaxsun · Dec 28, 2022

They can reach 9" in size (probably less in captivity, but still), so it will quickly outgrow your tank. My advice is pick a smaller wrasse. @i cant think

i cant think · Dec 28, 2022

danenelsen said:
Hello all,

I am currently thinking about adding a China Pearl Wrasse into my tank. The problem is my tank is only 55 gallons and from what I've read they need at least 120 gallons. The Wrasse I'm looking at is small (less than 2 inches) so I was wondering if I could keep the Wrasse in my tank until it gets bigger?

You could keep him until he outgrows the tank but knowing that species, you’ll only have a couple months with him unfortunately. You can always look into smaller wrasses, Cirrhilabrus and small Halichoeres are a good place to start. If you’re alright with slightly more difficult wrasses (Such as The China Wrasse is) then a Macropharyngodon could also be one to look into.

HudsonReefer2.0 · Dec 28, 2022

Yes it will b ok to start but finding a healthy one that eats is the challenge.

OrionN · Dec 28, 2022

They do get big, but not 9 inches big. More like 6 inches in captivity, but is too big for a 55 gal tank. I would hate to have to remove such a beautiful fish. Mine reach 6 inches from 2 inches in 3-4 years (in a 320 gal tank).
Super male base color

Nuptial color

The pair

OrionN · Dec 28, 2022

I would go for a Black Leopard, the smallest and most unique, and beautiful looking of the (cheaper, more common) Leopards. These guys get to about 3+ inches in my tank.

Female

Male

Nuptial male pictures

Joekovar · Dec 28, 2022

I've got a baby in a 55G. I've had it for no more than 6 months and it's probably 2" long, I don't think it's lengthened since I got it, but it's definitely fattened up.

I figure one day I'll have to pass it on to someone with a larger tank who wants one that isn't a picky eater. Until then though, I'm going to enjoy watching it.