Halichoeres biocellatus and H. melanurus

[Baldguy]

I know there's no guarantee but I'm wanting to get two fish to help with red planaria control. I'm considering getting a juve red-lined along with a juve melanurus to be added at the same time. Will they get along? From what I understand the melanurus may have a better chance at going for the flatworms thus including the melanurus. I would probably add two red-lined juveniles if I weren't trying for the best odds at getting a fish with a taste for flatworms. What would the wrasse gurus do? Hello TJ, Hunter and 3FordFamily.

 

[oscarinw]

I can't call myself a guru by any means but I have owned at least 2 species of flashers, 3 of coris (halichoeres) and at least 3 species of fairies. While I have never had a biocellatus (beautiful fish by the way) I did have a chrysus and a melanurus living together. The chrysus was younger when they met but he had been in the tank for about 2 months before the melanurus came. I left the melanurus in an acclimation box for a whole day and both were very interested with one another. However, around the 24 hour mark, they sort of started to ignore each other even when very close and I decided to give it a go. They lived really well for about 6 months and then a friend wanted the Melanurus so he got it from me. Introduce 2 juveniles together and I feel you shouldn't have an issue.
As for them going for the flatworms, I have heard some will rid you of every trace of them and sometimes them not even paying attention to those... Maybe when they get properly acclimated, you can let them go hungry for a couple of days at a time and see if they go for it. My melanurus ate everything... when I say everything, I mean even Nori sheets.

 

[Baldguy]

I appreciate your experience. I have a chrysus and he doesn't touch flatworms. I've read that juveniles are more likely to go after flatworms that's why I'm going for juve's. If they don't I'll still have fish I like. I do like the biocellatus and it stays a little smaller.

 

[eatbreakfast]

If acquired as juveniles you should be fine. Males can sometimes give other Halichoeres a hard time, but are usually fine.

Juveniles do a much better job of eating flatworms than adults and having multiple Halichoeres in the tank increases the chances of getting them to eat flatworms as they will compete with one another for food sources.

 

[Triggreef]

I had a really hard time finding any wrasse that would eat red planaria. Out of probably a dozen or so bought specifically for that purpose I believe I found one, which is why I still have a green coris in my tank even though he got huge. Pretty sure that's the only one that ate them. That said, I got another one for my frag tank that didn't touch them. My problem was I could not find another one to take care of my frag tank. So while my display was worm free my frag tank was covered.

I'd suggest highly, buy a wrasse because you like it. And buy some flat worm exit because it works. I waited so long quarantining fish for the purpose, only for disappointment. I just did not want to put that chemical in my tank. I know reading about some guy that used it and his corals were fine, doesn't hold much water. But there are some videos of my tank floating around. I have a ton of coral, all different types, very mixed reef. No casualties from flat worm exit. I also dosed a little heavy. Never another flat worm after.

 

[Baldguy]

I tried Flatworm Exit and it did not work for me. I did triple the recommended dose in the tank and it just ticked them off. I put a dozen in a gallon pitcher and dosed at 10 times the rec dose and it still did not kill them. Must be a resistant variety. Fish are my only hope.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Halichoeres have always kept my tank coral pest free.

 

[Baldguy]

Halichoeres have always kept my tank coral pest free.

Good to hear. Just ordered a red-lined and a melanurus from LA, both small juveniles. Those along with the chrysus will soon be fat and happy with plenty of flatworms to eat .... hopefully.

 

[scardall]

I have heard a 6 line wrasse could work. ( Not confirmed yet)) I too have a planara issue. I have treated my tank 3 times over a 2.5 month period at 1.5 times dosage. while Numbers are reduced not all die. So I too am looking for the right fish.

 

[coral tarracino]

Blue Fish Go Blue!

 

[eatbreakfast]

I have heard a 6 line wrasse could work. ( Not confirmed yet)) I too have a planara issue. I have treated my tank 3 times over a 2.5 month period at 1.5 times dosage. while Numbers are reduced not all die. So I too am looking for the right fish.

Skipping a day of feeding a week does wonders to getting wrasses to eat coral pests.

 

[pondman]

Six line worked for me I guess it may be the fish either they like them or they dont

 

[Baldguy]

I've read too many times about how mean six-lines are. I might try one as a last resort but really don't want my other fish terrorized. TJ, thanks for the advice on skipping feeding. I'll for sure do that.

What Blue Fish are you speaking of coral terracino?

 

[SPotter]

I've tried several different wrasses and while some would pick at them none did a great job at controlling them. I then added a group of blue sapphire damsels and it's now been three weeks with out seeing and new bite marks or evidence of worms.

 

[Reefrookie220]

In my experience a 6line is a sure thing, it's worked for me 3/3. If it's a little guy in a bigger tank (55+) and everybody is bigger than him it'll be fine.

That being Said, I'll never have another one!