Nano Tank Wrasse

Dexsander · Nov 26, 2019

Hi!

I'm currently dealing with a pretty nasty amount of amphipods in my Fluval Evo 13.5g tank. I believe they are starting to nip on my zoas. I'm going to start trying to cull their population. After some research, I came across the wrasse family of fish and how some of them are a great natural predator for the amphipods.

I currently only have a firefish in the tank, which might be a good reason why the amphipods are munching on my zoas. Not enough detritus!

After much research, I couldn't find a definite answer on what wrasses would fit well in my tank. I've been looking at the sixline wrasse, the pinkstreaked wrasse, a white banded pygmy wrasse, and tanaka's wrasse. I'm definitely open to other suggestions as well! I'd also like to stock the tank with another fish with the firefish and the new wrasse too. If I can't do that, no worries. Just figure I should get a tank mate for my firefish and upcoming wrasse.

Dragon52 · Nov 26, 2019

The six line will become a bully over time when you add anything else. Look at the Fairy or Flasher wrasse families. Especially the Flashers because they don't get much bigger than 3" which should be ok in your tank. Her's a link you can get info.

https://www.liveaquaria.com/category/1378/wrasse-reef-safe?c=15+1378&r=

nereefpat · Nov 26, 2019

No to the sixline.

All fairies and flasher wrasses get too big.

The pink streaked and the two possum wrasses you mentioned would probably be fine.

Magellan · Nov 26, 2019

That’s a small tank, gotta get small fish! Pink streak should be fine in there though

Dragon52 · Nov 26, 2019

Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse max length is 3" per LA. I'm sure there's more.
Fishbase SE list it at 5.4cm =2.1"

Cirrhilabrus rubeus summary page

www.fishbase.se

Jeeperz · Nov 26, 2019

I vote for a pygmy Tanaka possum wrasse. They stay small, extremely peaceful, eat pods, never touched my coral, ate everything offered.

Kyl · Nov 26, 2019

Pinkstreak or the possums, none other are suitable for nano life.

CasaReefer · Nov 26, 2019

@evolved....... ask Hunter he knows

evolved · Nov 26, 2019

nereefpat said:
No to the sixline.

All fairies and flasher wrasses get too big.

The pink streaked and the two possum wrasses you mentioned would probably be fine.

+1 to all of this

Dragon52 said:
Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse max length is 3" per LA. I'm sure there's more.
Fishbase SE list it at 5.4cm =2.1"

Cirrhilabrus rubeus summary page

www.fishbase.se

Definitely not suitable. And won't pick amphipods from the substrate either.

Jesterrace · Nov 26, 2019

Agreed that Possum or Pink Streaked would be the best choices by far for that tank.

AquaRaider44 · Nov 26, 2019

Just get a micro six line and move it out or give it away when the issue is gone or the fish outgrows the tank.

Magellan · Nov 26, 2019

AquaRaider44 said:
Just get a micro six line and move it out or give it away when the issue is gone or the fish outgrows the tank.

Fastest...fish...ever...it’s the fastest fish alive! I wouldn’t want to try to catch a 6 line in a five gallon bucket

Dexsander · Nov 27, 2019

Thanks everyone for the responses! Looks like a pink streaked or tanaka's wrasse is going into the tank.

Dragon52 · Nov 27, 2019

evolved said:
+1 to all of this

Definitely not suitable. And won't pick amphipods from the substrate either.

Ok, learn something new everyday.
Thanks

Kyl · Nov 27, 2019

Pinkstreak will probably be less cryptic than the tanaka, if that matters.

Bluecbs · Nov 28, 2019

I vote for possum wrasses, they have such cute faces

Pete Paschall · Nov 28, 2019

I have a Pygmy Possum Wrasse in my main tank and a Pink Streaked Wrasse in my nano frag tank. They are both awesome fish, but the Pink Streaked may be my favorite of all my fish. He's got them "Crazy Eyes"!