The Wrasse Lover's Thread!

I’ve never had a tile fish, but some of these really pretty ones that have popped up in recent years have made me consider it.

I have a bare bottom tank though, and not sure how they’d do without sand.
I’d personally want sand as all the tiles I’ve had and have cared for use it for making “burrows” under the rockwork (It’s more like a dip in the sand).
 
I’m proud to finally post on the LOVERS thread.

@i cant think @Slocke @tbrown - Shout-out to the wrasse experts who are helping me refine my wrasse stocking list!

My arrival on Valentines’ Day, A lovely lil Mel Wrasse. He is eating well, PE. Mysis. Rod’s OG, thus far. Picking at rockscape, nibbling on copepods, and chose a lovely baby snail for a snack - teenagers! What’s a mom to do.

And while @i cant think would have preferred me get a different wrasse, like Mr Brown, I was smitten a long time ago while dreaming of my future tank and he had to be a part of the family. Of course I will be taking his recommendation on an Idiris and a couple other of his personal favs over the next 4 months.

Btw, He came with a Diamond Goby buddy who he loves. (You can read my post on them separately, if interested)

Post in thread 'My Grateful Journeys Tank'
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/my-grateful-journeys-tank.1013672/post-12216362


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You hit the jackpot with that Mel! Usually I see people get them as truly mature males but this has some of the female residue still which says you’ll have a nice and most likely longer lifespan.
 
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Here’s the pintail freshly introduced into the tank. Surprisingly the pintail was left alone. My red velvet male had no issues with it but the flashers are getting a good amount of “flashing” from him.
IME, Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa tends to leave new additions alone. It’s a larger fairy (usually says they’re fairly boisterous) but one of the more peaceful.
I’ve added a few wrasses after my fini was established, I believe all 3 flashers came after him along with the aquamarinus I have. Nobody got bothered and Infact I found my Attenuatus to bother him more and get him to display.
 
You hit the jackpot with that Mel! Usually I see people get them as truly mature males but this has some of the female residue still which says you’ll have a nice and most likely longer lifespan.
Thank you and I had no clue of course. I did know he was smaller which is good for my size tank. And he acts like a puppy. Hehe.
 
Thank you and I had no clue of course. I did know he was smaller which is good for my size tank. And he acts like a puppy. Hehe.
I love melanurus but I find they can tricky to add other sand sleeping wrasses to once mature or established, some are easier than others.
 
I love melanurus but I find they can tricky to add other sand sleeping wrasses to once mature or established, some are easier than others.

Since you’ve introduced me to quite a few beauties, including the non-sand sleeping, I can focus on those. Cause Mel and his Goby brother from a different mother have taken the key “below ground” real estate in this 75 gal DT. Lol
 
I hope I’m wrong, but does this look like a spinal injury? The second exquisite is hiding somewhere at the moment so hopefully he looks better in the morning

Edit: Alright looks like the video isn’t going through, but it’s swimming like this and is struggling a bit.

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Is there anything I can do to help it out or improve its condition
 
I hope I’m wrong, but does this look like a spinal injury? The second exquisite is hiding somewhere at the moment so hopefully he looks better in the morning

Edit: Alright looks like the video isn’t going through, but it’s swimming like this and is struggling a bit.

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If he’s new, it could be anything.
 
Is there anything I can do to help it out or improve its condition
If it’s UNWD there is nothing you can do but fish can survive and do well with some spinal injuries. I currently have a fairy with a crooked spine and it’s still fat and pretty.
 
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Do you have a few pieces of rubble? I like having a couple of pieces that the fish can use for comfort but won't fully hide them from everyone else in the tank.
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Maybe not quite as many pieces.
This is good idea. They don’t like pvc or fake stuff. They are always more comfy around rock. They tend to like old rock more then clean new.
Also boxes with clear bottoms aren’t the way to go. Sand sleepers it messes with more.
 
No unfortunately I do not
I recommend that you have two small setups. I have a 20 AIO with sand and LR as my observation tank that has been running for years. Another with sand tray and pvc as my hospial tank. My routine now is new arrivals go into the hospital tank for 2-3 prazi treatments and then if they look good then into observation for 2 months. Only go to hospital tank with copper power if symptoms dictate. They spend at least 3 months in these tanks before DT. Even TSM fish.
 
I recommend that you have two small setups. I have a 20 AIO with sand and LR as my observation tank that has been running for years. Another with sand tray and pvc as my hospial tank. My routine now is new arrivals go into the hospital tank for 2-3 prazi treatments and then if they look good then into observation for 2 months. Only go to hospital tank with copper power if symptoms dictate. They spend at least 3 months in these tanks before DT. Even TSM fish.
This is a cool idea. Idk if I have the space for another tank but I’m curious if there is no reason for the prazi why do it? I am just watching him right now to make sure he’s healthy eating swimming.

Also how long would you keep him in a acclimation box then ?
 
How much are those worth in a bush?
Not sure I haven’t looked. Let’s just say fish are 3-7 times marked up from direct. Depends on losses and how many stops fish make after hitting US.
Surprisingly choats were one of a few wrasse most wouldn’t make it but have a smaller mark up.
Couple years ago a choats from a US wholesaler with shipping was just under $100 and sold for $200. Wholesaler prices are high as they pay then mark up
Import tax and shipping cost a lot more then what all the fish cost in a box.

Are those rubrisquamus?
Not positive. Just a picture that a few hundred pretty wrasse that are available
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

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  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%
  • Other (please explain).

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