Reef Safe Wrasse for 34g display

WallysWorld · Dec 20, 2018

I'm really interested in adding a Wrasse to my peaceful 34g reef display. Most of the wrasses I see need larger tanks.

What wrasses would be reef safe and good in a 34 gallon display?

Jesterrace · Dec 20, 2018

Possum or Pink Streaked:

https://aquarium-fish.liveaquaria.com/search?w=Possum

Don't be fooled by the 6 line wrasse. Ticking Time Bomb

saltyhog · Dec 20, 2018

Agree with @Jesterrace !

rkpetersen · Dec 20, 2018

You both beat me to it, lol. I have two possums in qt right now. Sweet little things.

I with they'd eat a bit more enthusiastically though (distinctly un-wrasselike behavior!)

cancun · Dec 20, 2018

Right....say NO to Six-line Wrasses.... or really imo any lined Wrasse. Another good small Wrasse is the Solar fairy Wrasse. Although depending on your bioload the Solar might be too much for a tank your size. They are reef safe and peaceful in my experience.

Jesterrace · Dec 20, 2018

cancun said:
Right....say NO to Six-line Wrasses.... or really imo any lined Wrasse. Another good small Wrasse is the Solar fairy Wrasse. Although depending on your bioload the Solar might be too much for a tank your size. They are reef safe and peaceful in my experience.

The Solar Wrasse (and any Fairy Wrasse) needs way more space than a 34 offers, I had one that went nuts in my 36 gallon after one week (went after everything in the tank, including my poor Green Mandarin). It still had another couple of inches to grow as well.

cancun · Dec 20, 2018

Jesterrace said:
The Solar Wrasse (and any Fairy Wrasse) needs way more space than a 34 offers, I had one that went nuts in my 36 gallon after one week (went after everything in the tank, including my poor Green Mandarin). It still had another couple of inches to grow as well.

Oh wow. I never had one in a tank less than 80 gallons so I wasn't aware they could freak out like that in a smaller tank!

Jesterrace · Dec 20, 2018

cancun said:
Oh wow. I never had one in a tank less than 80 gallons so I wasn't aware they could freak out like that in a smaller tank!

Definitely, there is a reason why LA lists the majority of fairy wrasses in the 70-75 gallon minimum or larger range

saltyhog · Dec 20, 2018

Jesterrace said:
Definitely, there is a reason why LA lists the majority of fairy wrasses in the 70-75 gallon minimum or larger range

Indeed, they are very active fish.

AwildcatsZ · Dec 21, 2018

If you like the look and active nature of a sixline, try a twelve line. I have one in my 29 and it’s a model citizen. They’re less aggressive than their more common relative, and more attractive in my opinion.

Zeal · Dec 21, 2018

I added my Six Line Wrasse last to my tank and it mind its own business all day. Ive never seen it bite anyone. Spends its day swimming in and out of the rocks...

Maybe im lucky.

Muttley000 · Dec 21, 2018

Zeal said:
I added my Six Line Wrasse last to my tank and it mind its own business all day. Ive never seen it bite anyone. Spends its day swimming in and out of the rocks...

Maybe im lucky.

This has been my experience with one in a 40 long for a couple years also.

VJM 21 · Dec 21, 2018

I’m not sure how to link to another thread, but the incredibly helpful chart that @evolved created includes a list of fairy wrasses that are suitable for a 40g tank. Pintail wrasses are on that list. I have one, along with a crescent tail, and they’re both beautiful fish.

VJM 21 · Dec 21, 2018

VJM 21 said:
I’m not sure how to link to another thread, but the incredibly helpful chart that @evolved created includes a list of fairy wrasses that are suitable for a 40g tank. Pintail wrasses are on that list. I have one, along with a crescent tail, and they’re both beautiful fish.

Cirrhilabrus Complexes: Inferiority Need Not Apply (1st Revision)

eatbreakfast · Dec 21, 2018

I recommend against a sixline.

Possums and pink streaks are best. If the footprint is big enough a pintail, lunatus, or social fairy could work.

Jesterrace · Dec 21, 2018

AwildcatsZ said:
If you like the look and active nature of a sixline, try a twelve line. I have one in my 29 and it’s a model citizen. They’re less aggressive than their more common relative, and more attractive in my opinion.

They are also known as a 4 line if I remember correctly and they do look cool. They tend to be better behaved when they are added last (provided no other wrasses are in the tank) BUT they are known for being jerks to any new addition, which presents a problem if you have a fish that dies that you want to replace, etc.