Melanarus Wrasse

Thraciandrummer · Feb 2, 2016

Hi guys,
I was thinking of getting a Melanarus Wrasse, but had some concerns. Can a Melanarus be kep with a Coral Banded Shrimp or will it kill the shrimp? This CBS is pretty big. He's grown to over an inch of just body. Add in his arms and tentacles and he's pushing 6 inches. I have had this guy for a while and he molts constantly, so I don't want to put a wrasse in there that kills him. Also, I have some Zoas and some candy cane heads with plans to have more corals added. Will the Melanarus go after whatever corals I have in the tank?

raultsu · Feb 2, 2016

if he gets hungry he will go after the shrimp. not sure if it will eat corals though

eatbreakfast · Feb 2, 2016

He may or may not go after the shrimp, it's a risk.they are completely coral safe.

Thraciandrummer · Feb 2, 2016

Are there any wrasses that won't go after shrimp?

Triggreef · Feb 2, 2016

Mine is with 2 coral banded, peppermint, snails, cleaner shrimp, hermits, pistol shrimp, and Harlequin shrimp. Even added some since after wrasses were big. Have to add things like shrimp at night. My melanurus is approaching 6 inches

eatbreakfast · Feb 2, 2016

Thraciandrummer said:
Are there any wrasses that won't go after shrimp?

Fairy and flasher wrasses will not bother shrimp.

Akida17th · Feb 2, 2016

I've had melanarus wrasse and they are beautiful, really underrated probably due to availability and price but their color is phenomenal. I've had a few that were completely reef safe and had one that picked at my snails but left my shrimp alone.

hybridazn · Feb 2, 2016

One of my favorite wrasses! Def underrated and underappreciated. I've had a couple and never had a problem with corals or shrimps. Seems like they like to pick on snails most of the time

Thraciandrummer · Feb 2, 2016

Ok thanks for the information guys. I'll have to think about whether I want to risk it or not. it seems from this post that it could go either way.

Akida17th · Feb 2, 2016

Well you have to include the fact that they remove pests and do a darn good job at it since they have a large appetite.

BryanS4 · Feb 2, 2016

I have one in my frag tank and he picks off snails and hermits right away, but can't speak to the shrimp.

Great looking fish though!

WetWhistle · Feb 2, 2016

I have had one for years with my shrimp and small fish with no issues. He is a model tank mate. Just keep it fed as most fish when hungry will pick on stuff they should not in order to survive. He has been with blood shrimp, peppermint shrimp and common cleaner with no issues for me. I have had two with the same results.

Thraciandrummer · Feb 2, 2016

Yea I hear that. I have a lot of snails too, so I really wouldn't want one to potentially kill my shrimp and snails. Maybe I'll look into getting a flasher or a fairy Wrasse instead. Not as pretty as the Melanarus imo but they are nice.

Salty0331 · Feb 2, 2016

FWIW.....I have had my Melanarus in my mixed reef for two years now. I have a diverse amount of snails, and crabs. I also have a Blood Shrimp too. He has never bothered them or any of my corals. I do however feed my tank a bit on the heavy side so I know he is well fed.

jd371 · Feb 2, 2016

I have one coming out of QT this weekend. Hopefully he'll be a model citizen and not touch my CUC.

Thraciandrummer · Feb 2, 2016

jd371 let me know how it goes

DereksReef77 · Feb 2, 2016

I have a melanarus and a 6 line wrasse in my tank with two cleaner shrimp and no problems at all. My melanarus is 4-5 inches long. I keep everything well fed but I have noticed that most of my hermit crabs are disappearing. Go figure. Good luck.

steve&mari · Feb 2, 2016

We just picked one up for our reef their beauty is worth the risk to me lol. If it destroys the cuc guess we'll get a blue dot sea hare lol.

Thraciandrummer · Feb 2, 2016

That guy is so awesome!

E048 · Feb 2, 2016

As far as invert safe it depends on the individual fish and food and stocking....

My melanrus wrasse killed and ate every shrimp in my tank within a month of being in there

He ate 7-8 peppermints, 2 cleaners, one coral banded, and a fighting conch

I saw him rip the arms off the cb and then eat and bash the rest of the shrimp against the rocks

He got sent to the sump and eventually jumped into the return pump section and died....

They're gorgeous but I wouldn't risk it again