Halichoeres rubricephalus, how difficult

saltyhog · Nov 11, 2015

to keep is this species?

I have a C. lanceolatus coming on Friday and have the option of getting the H rubricephalus also. Are they more difficult than others in the genus? Do they maintain their colors as well as say a Vrolik's does.

eatbreakfast · Nov 11, 2015

They are one of, if not the most difficult wrasses in their genus. More on par regarding aquarium acclimation with Macropharyngodon or Anampses species than a Halichoeres. They do not handle shipping stress well and are pretty low key behaviorly.

Their delicate nature has more to do with their location. They are collected in Flores and Bangaii Indonesia, which is a three day boar trip to Bali, where they are shipped to their subsequent markets.

They are also infrequently available. This has been a good year for them. Last year the market was practically nonexistent.

Rubricephalus wrasses mauntain their color well, though. And once conditioned to aquaria are reasonablely hardy. I strongly encourage treating for internal parasites.

evolved · Nov 12, 2015

eatbreakfast said:
Rubricephalus wrasses mauntain their color well, though.

I've never really seen one keep the vibrant red long term in captivity; always seems to fade out to a duller maroon.

saltyhog · Nov 12, 2015

Thanks guys. I decided to pass on him and add a C. jordani along with the C. lanceolatus. The only other Halichoeres I have at the moment is an 5 1/2" H. chrysus. I would like to add another one but something less common (timorenisis, leucurus, iridis) any other suggestions beyond these three.

eatbreakfast · Nov 12, 2015

saltyhog said:
Thanks guys. I decided to pass on him and add a C. jordani along with the C. lanceolatus. The only other Halichoeres I have at the moment is an 5 1/2" H. chrysus. I would like to add another one but something less common (timorenisis, leucurus, iridis) any other suggestions beyond these three.

Richmond, zeylonicus, argus, melasmapomus, although I am a big fan of rubricephalus, too.

FoD · Nov 12, 2015

Good luck finding a richmondi! Agree though. That or an iridis are my faves.

eatbreakfast · Nov 12, 2015

FoD said:
Good luck finding a richmondi! Agree though. That or an iridis are my faves.

Quality Marine has them regularly.

saltyhog · Nov 12, 2015

eatbreakfast said:
Quality Marine has them regularly.

Any of the online stores use QM for source? They are dealers/wholesale only aren't they?

eatbreakfast · Nov 12, 2015

saltyhog said:
Any of the online stores use QM for source? They are dealers/wholesale only aren't they?

Live Aquaria uses them, as does Pet Solutions, but I think LFS get a day or 2 to order before they are posted.

FoD · Nov 12, 2015

My local store hasn't had them available from a list in over a year. No online vendor has been able to source one for me in over 3 months(since mine died). I haven't seen one on LA or DD in quite some time.

One day I'll have another.

eatbreakfast · Nov 12, 2015

Quality had one on the list this morning . They haven't been in as frequently because they are coming from the South Pacific, that means Australia, Vanuatu, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands,

Vanuatu has slowed down significantly since a huge storm earlier this year. QM has the only collection station in the Cook Islands, Fiji suppliers aren't as common as other locales, Tahiti seems to be offered to Asian markets before the U.S., and they Richmondi was never plentiful on Aussie lists.

FoD · Nov 12, 2015

Yeah, my stores have showed me they are on the list every so often, but when requested/ordered they are always unavailable. Some other market must be getting them first.

eatbreakfast · Nov 13, 2015

FoD said:
Yeah, my stores have showed me they are on the list every so often, but when requested/ordered they are always unavailable. Some other market must be getting them first.

Must be my area that gets them, because my shop hasn't 't had a problem with being shorted by QM.

watchguy123 · Nov 13, 2015

On my second rubricephalus, this one came in super skinny but started eating everything, frozen, pellets and flakes. Has since fattened up in the last couple months. I also think his red has faded somewhat which is a little disappointing. My first survived about a year before he disappeared

I have had two richmondis but unsuccessful with both. They died within first three days. One of my favorite wrasses. Don't know if they came in sick or what. It's been a while so I don't remember if they ate or acted strangely. My vague recollection is that they both ate and acted normally but then simply died

evolved · Nov 13, 2015

saltyhog said:
along with the C. lanceolatus.

I'm sure you mean C. cf. lanceolatus; big difference.

saltyhog · Nov 13, 2015

evolved said:
I'm sure you mean C. cf. lanceolatus; big difference.

Yes, thanks for the correction. I guess I forgot because I've never seen C. lanceolatus offered anywhere that I could access. Very big difference! He looks great except for a little bit of a frayed tail, got him acclimating. The flame is stunning. The next 7-8 weeks are going to go so slowly! I will just have enjoy them in QT and fatten/spoil them rotten till time for the DT.

saltyhog · Nov 13, 2015

When I went to pick up the C. cf lanceolatus my LFS told me there was a Richmond's on their list (they knew I was interested in one) but they didn't get it. They had a beautiful ornate leopard but I wasn't sure he would get along with my Potter's (that and my cycled QT will be occupied for a while)