First tank stocking list

[hakunaa]

Hello, reefers! I have just gotten a 72-gallon bowfront tank and have some ideas on what I would like to stock in the tank. I am looking for some feedback and advice on my fish choices, is there too many and would any be aggressive toward each other? Also for reference, this tank is not a reef tank and is fish-based.

1- exquisite fairy wrasse
1- saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)
1- red-eye fairy wrasse
1- orange back fairy wrasse
1- onespot foxface
1- coral beauty or flame angel (what is more compatible with my fish choice?)
2- ocellaris clownfish

and possibly a smaller tang? any advice on if the tank could handle a tang and if so, what species?

 

[Sashaka]

Keep in mind that all fish have their own personalities and you can get a jerk or a typical in any species. I do, however, believe that the Thalassoma is a bad mix with the fairies. They tend to be much more aggressive. IME, when a fish becomes bully, it usually targets the same shape or color fish as itself, or it has been established a good while and instinctively protecting perceived territory from an invader.

As far as 1- coral beauty or flame angel, I think either is fine...just not both or they'll fight with each other.

 

[Auquanut]

Not sure about the Foxface. I've got a one spot, and he's pretty huge. You might get away with one of the smaller tangs. My Yellow eye Kole is an algae eating machine. Might be pushing the limit with that though.

Welcome to R2R by the way. Why don't you wander over to the "Meet and Greet" section and introduce yourself? There's lots of great folks here that would like to meet you.

 

[CasaReefer]

Well since your already here I will do it now... Welcome to R2R looking forward to updates and pics on your NEW TANK....

 

[Sailfin11]

Everything but the thalassoma wrasse sounds good. They get large and aggressive and severely limit invert selection.

 

[Sashaka]

Not sure about the Foxface. I've got a one spot, and he's pretty huge. You might get away with one of the smaller tangs. My Yellow eye Kole is an algae eating machine. Might be pushing the limit with that though.

Welcome to R2R by the way. Why don't you wander over to the "Meet and Greet" section and introduce yourself? There's lots of great folks here that would like to meet you.

I agree with Auquanaut about the Foxface. It does grow larger than some of the small tangs, but generally it is peaceful with other fish. Mine has never acted aggressive to any other fish in my 180gal tank where it resides. It does have poisonous spines, so be careful when handling the fish. The two Kole tangs I've owned (I've owned three over the years), however, were bullies. I'm not sure if this is typical of the Kole tang, but my first two found at least one or two other fish in the tank to dislike and bully. I rehomed the bullies, and I finally purchased a very small Kole tang and put it in with my fully grown and established wrasses and the combo finally worked.

 

[Auquanut]

Every Kole I've owned, however, has been a bit of a bully. I'm not sure if this is typical of the Kole tang, but mine always seem to find at least one or two other fish in the tank to dislike and bully.

I hadn't considered that. My Kole is in a 125 with larger tangs and has been a model citizen even with the smaller fish. I really couldn't say how he would behave as the only tang in a smaller tank. Good point!

 

[lavoisier]

Welcome. Remember, we love pics!

Don't go overboard on adding fish early. Be patient. We all love tangs but they grow.

 

[hakunaa]

Thank you for your feedback everyone, especially Sashaka and Auquanut!
I knew the Thalassoma was a bit larger than the other wrasses so it was probably pushing it but I still wanted to ask. Same with the onespot, I had heard of some successes but I know the can get big as well. As for a tang, I'll probably just opt out of getting one, in general, I have heard mixed views and experiences and don't want to risk anything.

How would a blueside fairy do? They are only about an inch larger than the other fairies on average and from what I have seen seem to share a more calm disposition as long as they aren't housed with similar coloured wrasses.

 

[Sashaka]

I hadn't considered that. My Kole is in a 125 with larger tangs and has been a model citizen even with the smaller fish. I really couldn't say how he would behave as the only tang in a smaller tank. Good point!

I guess I should clarify more. I have other tangs in the tank too. The OP was wondering about a stocking list of fish compatible with wrasses, so I shared my experience with two bully Kole tangs sharing space with my wrasses; however, my current baby Kole (3") is in with a 6" Regal tang and a 5" yellow tang and doing fine. I have no idea if as this Kole grows if it will become a bully like my other two tries, but right now things are working out, so I'm happy!

 

[Sashaka]

@evolved any feedback about the bluesided?

 

[evolved]

1- saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)

Definitely skip that one.

1- red-eye fairy wrasse
1- orange back fairy wrasse

How would a blueside fairy do? They are only about an inch larger than the other fairies on average and from what I have seen seem to share a more calm disposition as long as they aren't housed with similar coloured wrasses.

All three of these are from the same complex, and are not likely to do well together in this small of a tank. I would only pick one of these three species. More here: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cirrhilabrus-complexes-inferiority-need-not-apply-1st-revision.352/

 

[hakunaa]

Definitely skip that one.


All three of these are from the same complex, and are not likely to do well together in this small of a tank. I would only pick one of these three species. More here: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cirrhilabrus-complexes-inferiority-need-not-apply-1st-revision.352/

Yes, I had seen that post actually I was planning on moving to just keeping a bluesided fairy instead of a solon or orange back! Thank you evolved!!