Leopard Wrasse addition

[germs101]

I'm considering trying a Leopard Wrasse. I think it would be neat to have a few different types of Leopards in the tank. First, is this a bad idea? Second, would adding them at different times to the tank create conflict? If multiple types are ok but adding them at different times isn't I'll just stick with one. The display tank is 265 gallons, and my qt tank is 39 gallons.

On a different note, how would the Wrasses do with a Harlequin shrimp?

 

[saltyhog]

Multiple leopard wrasses are certainly possible in that size tank. Only one male, the rest females. I don't think they would represent any threat to a Harlequin shrimp.

 

[bubbaque]

I have two female leopard wrasses in my 180 gallon tank. One is the standard leopard wrasse and one is a bluestar leopard. I had the standard leopard for about 6 months before I added the blue star. I added the blue star about three days before I went on vacation. When the bluestar was added the original leopard pounded on it over and over. The bluestar had to sit on the powerhead to hide or go in the sand. I was sure the bluestar was going to be dead when I came back from vacation but when I returned the bluestar was out swimming around like nothing ever happened. I never see any aggression anymore.

Originally I had two female leopard wrasses I added at the same time and they never showed aggression. One of them jumped over into my overflow and got stuck in the pipe.

 

[ksfulk]

You could definitely add more than one leopard with that size of a tank. If you are adding multiple leopard wrasse over a long period of time, it would be best to use an acclimation box to house the newcomer in for a day or two before letting it loose in the display tank.

With that size QT, you should be fine as well, but you will have to add a small bowl of sand in order for the wrasse to bury itself at night. If you QT multiple wrasses at the same time, add one bowl of sand per wrasse. Best of luck!

 

[eatbreakfast]

Agreed that it can definitely be done. Males are pretty intolerant of each other. Also, kuiteri and moyeri can be a little more aggressive than the other species, so add them after any other species if they are on you prospective list.

Harlequin shrimp are usually left alone by invert eaters. I think their guady pattern is a warning.