Confused by wrasse

[RaulJulia]

I have a 55 gallon tank with sandbed and a 20 gallon sump. Currently my tank has a decent amount of coral, 2 clowns, and a juvenile foxface. I was considering getting a wrasse because they seem popular on here, but I have several questions first:

1. A lot of online recommendations suggest adding 3+ wrasse at the same time, is this necessary? Is it fine to just get 1 male wrasse? What is the reason for this suggestion? Do they only color change in groups? Will wrasse be stressed by themselves?

2. Is it recommended to go with wrasse that are initial or terminal phase?

3. I'm concerned that my tank may be too small. I plan to give foxface to a friend when he gets too big for my tank, are there any wrasse that are compatible with my small tank size long term?

 

[Big G]

Check out Fairy Wrasses. They can be single in a tank. Coloration is very nice. In particular, Lubbocks : https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1926+376&pcatid=376

 

[nereefpat]

1. One wrasse is absolutely fine. I don't know what that recommendation is getting at...seems silly. Multiples can be added, but only one of each species. And certain species are aggressive. Remember, it's a huge family....as in one of the biggest families of vertebrates, so there is lots of diversity.

2. Initial phase ships better and lives longer and will eventually turn male. If you find a local terminal male, then that's fine too.

3. Plenty of wrasses can fit in a 55, and at least a couple could be mixed. Which ones do you like?

 

[RaulJulia]

Thanks all, this was very helpful! I think they're all p cool. I was just hoping to get one that's not orange or yellow like my current fish, so the purplish fairy wrasse above may be a good pick. I also should have mentioned that this my first tank and it's about a year and half old. So definitely need a wrasse that's easy-ish to care for.

Just to be clear, if you buy an 'initial phase wrasse' does that imply it's male? Or do all wrasses change male in isolation?

 

[nereefpat]

Thanks all, this was very helpful! I think they're all p cool. I was just hoping to get one that's not orange or yellow like my current fish, so the purplish fairy wrasse above may be a good pick. I also should have mentioned that this my first tank and it's about a year and half old. So definitely need a wrasse that's easy-ish to care for.

Just to be clear, if you buy an 'initial phase wrasse' does that imply it's male? Or do all wrasses change male in isolation?

Lubbock's is a good suggestion for a first wrasse. They are cheap, peaceful, smallish.

Initial probably means juvenile/female or in some cases a young transitioning male. All will turn male eventually, in isolation or in a group.