Dusky Wrasse - experiences?

[PotatoPig]

So the LFS has one of these and from initial research it looks like a nice fit (75g reef tank, mostly peaceful) but I was cutting any here had experience with it.

Main questions:

1. Info suggests it’s not particularly aggressive - has this proven true?
2. Will it eat hermit crabs and snails? (I have not had a wrasse before)
3. Is aragonite sand a suitable substrate for this fish (and similarly sized wrasses in general). It’s the somewhat course caribsea stuff. Tank bed is typically 2-3” deep across the footprint

 

[EgotisticObeseChihuahua]

I personally love the Dusky Wrasse. Mine isn't aggressive at all. It has never eaten any of my snails or hermit crabs, but he did snap at some newly introduced peppermint shrimp. I found it to be one of favorite fish in my reef tank because of its big personality. Additionally, I found that they love krill. If you want a good snack for them feed them some krill. Your sand should work for the wrasse.

 

[Kershaw]

I have always wanted one, I have and have had many other in the same family of wrasses. And they have all been great in a reef. Only exception is all snails, crabs, and shrimp get added in the dark.
They never seem to bother them unless they see shrimp or crabs be dropped in.

 

[MIKE NY]

I just lost mine he was approx 6-7” and grown from a 1 1/2 “ juvi. So a a standard 48” 75 gal maybe a little small. Very cool watching the color transformation over the years. It was peaceful most of its life,but here was a stage when he was aggressive towards other wrasses of similar color such as my black leopard, white tail and blue dot Tamerons etc.. I can’t comment on cuc because I don’t keep any shrimp or small snails with all the wrasses I have.

 

[Slocke]

So the LFS has one of these and from initial research it looks like a nice fit (75g reef tank, mostly peaceful) but I was cutting any here had experience with it.

Main questions:

1. Info suggests it’s not particularly aggressive - has this proven true?
2. Will it eat hermit crabs and snails? (I have not had a wrasse before)
3. Is aragonite sand a suitable substrate for this fish (and similarly sized wrasses in general). It’s the somewhat course caribsea stuff. Tank bed is typically 2-3” deep across the footprint

1. It’s one of the more aggressive Halichoeres species and it would be the last wrasse I add to a tank. Though it is not very aggressive like some other genera. About equal to a melanurus.

2. Unlikely but possible. Smaller shrimp like sexy shrimp are on the menu.

3. Not my preferred sand for wrasse but it will work.

 

[Slocke]

So the LFS has one of these and from initial research it looks like a nice fit (75g reef tank, mostly peaceful) but I was cutting any here had experience with it.

Main questions:

1. Info suggests it’s not particularly aggressive - has this proven true?
2. Will it eat hermit crabs and snails? (I have not had a wrasse before)
3. Is aragonite sand a suitable substrate for this fish (and similarly sized wrasses in general). It’s the somewhat course caribsea stuff. Tank bed is typically 2-3” deep across the footprint

FYI this wrasse is of the genus Halichoeres which translates to salty-pig. Good choice for you maybe?

 

[cdnco2004]

I have a 5" Dusky wrasse. Great fish. Never seen him pester any fish or inverts besides pods. Once they get close to full size they really start to shine. Beautiful fish.