Melanerus Wrasse Question

[Roosterjack]

Will my male 5” Melanerus Wrasse (aka Hoeven’s or Wardley Wrasse) tolerate any other wrasses in the tank? I have a 90g mixed reef. Other inhabitants are diamond goby, mandarin, royal Gramma, and a pair of ocellaris clowns.

 

[lapin]

It should be fine with other wrasses as lomg as they are not the same shape. Look at flasher wrasses.

 

[mta_morrow]

Definitely use an acclimation box. Flasher would work well as they occupy a different are of the tank.

 

[Roosterjack]

Is it possible to keep these (the Melanerus) wrasses in a group? I know only one will be the flashy dominant male, but they are all attractive.

 

[mta_morrow]

Is it possible to keep these (the Melanerus) wrasses in a group? I know only one will be the flashy dominant male, but they are all attractive.

No it is not.

 

[Jesterrace]

Will my male 5” Melanerus Wrasse (aka Hoeven’s or Wardley Wrasse) tolerate any other wrasses in the tank? I have a 90g mixed reef. Other inhabitants are diamond goby, mandarin, royal Gramma, and a pair of ocellaris clowns.

How long has it been in there? An established one is likely to give new wrasse additions a hard time (mine still isn't thrilled about the Blue Star Leopard I added after it had been in for about a year, but they tolerate each other for the most part).

As mentioned above it isn't possible to keep wrasse in groups as virtually all wrasses transition to male in captivity. The best way to do them is to mix wrasses of different species like you are looking at doing.

 

[evolved]

Will my male 5” Melanerus Wrasse (aka Hoeven’s or Wardley Wrasse) tolerate any other wrasses in the tank?

Cirrhilabrus or Paracheilinus should mix pretty easy with it. Other Halichoeres depend on the attitude of the particular melanurus that you have.

Is it possible to keep these (the Melanerus) wrasses in a group?

Not really. A group of females could be kept, but only for a limited time - they would all eventually try to transition to male and then it would be survival of the most dominant.

 

[lpsouth1978]

My nephee has a melanarus, pintail fairy, and mccloskers flasher in his tank and all are doing well. These were added around the same time though, im not sure how an established melanarus would react.

 

[Dragon52]

I have These with mine in a 185gl. The melanarus was in the tank 1st. Never had any issues.
Blackfin McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
Multicolored Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse
Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse
Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse