Wrasse compatibility and tank size, Dusky, Halichoeres marginatus

[Chris Fitz]

Hello R2R community!

I'm planning on picking up a Dusky (maybe a pair) next week and keep him/her/them in a 60gal (4'x1'x2') mixed reef DT with tons of LR/hiding places!

My main concern is after quarantining he/she/they will be sharing the community Display Tank with 14 other mates including a mimic yellow tang and a Kole tang (2PJ cardinals, 1 Bangii, 1 firefish, 1 engineer goby, 1 Coral beau, 1 scissortail, 4 Chromis, 1 small cowfish)... Hopefully, there will be no issues. *fingers crossed* Do you think these fish will get along?

I understand my 60gal may need to be upgraded as the fish get larger with adulthood. Do you think this might be considered overstocked (I have an 18gal sump with massive filtration(wet dry filter, 6" deep sandbed, cheto, mangroves, and macroalgae), skimming and I feed heavy)?

Have you ever heard of pairing Dusky in a home aquarium? Do you think it will work?

 

[Rybren]

I once had a dusky that constantly harassed all of the other other fish in my tank. I believe that it was the cause of death for a number of fish and eventually rehomed it. I would never get another and I certainly wouldn't add two, especially in a 60G.

 

[Bluespottedjawfish1]

I have a large Dusky in a 250 gallon DBF mixed reef and he is gets on well with everyone else including other wrasses,tangs, anthias etc. He is still Quite dark with beautiful hints of color but I sure hope he turns like the one in your picture. He is about 4.5=5”

 

[steallife904]

Do not have a dusky but have a few fairy and flashers. Will say I had issues years ago mixing and started using an acclimation box about a year ago with great success (bought one on amazon) I usually leave fish in it with a piece of PVC pipe for about 2 days. Has worked.