Wrasse Recommendations?

[tjsmk8]

I’ve noticed some wrasse experts here, so I’m looking for advice. My standard 4x2x2 120g needs some additional color and movement, and I think a few wrasse might be the answer. Current inhabitants include:

Foxface
Kole Tang
Tomato Clown
Midas Blenny
Royal Gramma
Yellow Tail Damsel

The tank is a mixed reef and is peaceful overall, but the Kole has been known to harass new fish. I hope adding several fish at once will diffuse the harassment enough so that it’s not an issue. There is plenty of rock for hiding but the sand is shallow, so I need to avoid any species that like to bury themselves.

That said, what would be recommended? I’m guessing a few fairies (3-5?) might be the answer, but I could use some direction. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[eatbreakfast]

I’ve noticed some wrasse experts here, so I’m looking for advice. My standard 4x2x2 120g needs some additional color and movement, and I think a few wrasse might be the answer. Current inhabitants include:

Foxface
Kole Tang
Tomato Clown
Midas Blenny
Royal Gramma
Yellow Tail Damsel

The tank is a mixed reef and is peaceful overall, but the Kole has been known to harass new fish. I hope adding several fish at once will diffuse the harassment enough so that it’s not an issue. There is plenty of rock for hiding but the sand is shallow, so I need to avoid any species that like to bury themselves.

That said, what would be recommended? I’m guessing a few fairies (3-5?) might be the answer, but I could use some direction. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Fairies and flashers would work great, but it really all depends on what you like. If there a few species you are more drawn to, or a budget you are working within, that may affect things. Ultimately, you have to live with the choice. I recommend getting a few that you really like and we can let you know our experiences.

 

[fragit]

Can you put multiple fairies or flashers in the same tank? What about smaller systems, like an 80gal cube 30x24x24? Do they hang out together?

 

[tjsmk8]

To be honest, I'm not all that picky when looking at the different wrasse species. In looking at just the cirrhilabrus on LA, any of them would be fine with me. My primary concern is compatibility with each other and my current fish. I have a credit to use with LA as well, so their price (I may as well go cheap since I'm not picky!) and availability will be factors.

How many fish would be a good number to add together? This particular tank has been up for two years, and I've had some of the inhabitants for 6-7 years.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Can you put multiple fairies or flashers in the same tank? What about smaller systems, like an 80gal cube 30x24x24? Do they hang out together?

You sure can! Most flashers and fairies would work in that size tank.

To be honest, I'm not all that picky when looking at the different wrasse species. In looking at just the cirrhilabrus on LA, any of them would be fine with me. My primary concern is compatibility with each other and my current fish. I have a credit to use with LA as well, so their price (I may as well go cheap since I'm not picky!) and availability will be factors.

How many fish would be a good number to add together? This particular tank has been up for two years, and I've had some of the inhabitants for 6-7 years.

Sometimes kole tangs can be aggressive the first day to new wrasses. Adding a few simultaneously or using a social acclimation box to introduce usually helps.

Reasonably priced and readily available ones that I like include mckoskers, flavianalis, and filamentosus flashers, and exquisitus, solorensis, and rubrimarginatus fairies.

 

[tjsmk8]

I'll check those out, see what's currently available, and put together a potential list. Thanks again.

 

[Among The Reef]

You sure can! Most flashers and fairies would work in that size tank.

Sometimes kole tangs can be aggressive the first day to new wrasses. Adding a few simultaneously or using a social acclimation box to introduce usually helps.

Reasonably priced and readily available ones that I like include mckoskers, flavianalis, and filamentosus flashers, and exquisitus, solorensis, and rubrimarginatus fairies.

Agree with this. You could do a couple cool wrasses together in there. Just be careful if they aren't added together. They may get territorial and act aggressively toward other members within their genus.

Pretty funny, My Blue Eye Bristletooth tang hated wrasses as well. He killed a Lineatus and Potter's Wrasse years ago. He now lives in seclusion in a frag tank. I wonder if it's a Ctenochaetus thing!

-Jordan

 

[kengeroo]

pin tail
http://reefbuilders.com/2013/12/02/pintail-fairy-wrasses-parading-worlds-aquariums/
or
Naoko fairy
http://www.fishbase.se/summary/64878

I'm kind of partial to the Naoko's ,,, as I have one

 

[ZoanthidAddict]

You sure can! Most flashers and fairies would work in that size tank.

Sometimes kole tangs can be aggressive the first day to new wrasses. Adding a few simultaneously or using a social acclimation box to introduce usually helps.

Reasonably priced and readily available ones that I like include mckoskers, flavianalis, and filamentosus flashers, and exquisitus, solorensis, and rubrimarginatus fairies.

I agree with the kole tangs i have a tomini and he can be an butt when a new wrasse is added i usually acclimate new wrasses over the course of a couple days this really helps with aggression i would stay away from six lines and red velvets as they become aggressive when mature from my experience i have a red velvet now that i might have to get rid of pintails are a very nice fish and have become fairly cheap yellow coris are great adds some yellow to the mix laboutis are a nice addition one of my fav fish following this to see what you end up picking good luck

 

[ZoanthidAddict]

If you dont have an acclimation box cricket boxes work great drill holes all over and use a medium mag float to attach it to the glass they have a top that opens for feeding i have used this method for a few years and works wonders for like $10-$15

 

[eatbreakfast]

If you dont have an acclimation box cricket boxes work great drill holes all over and use a medium mag float to attach it to the glass they have a top that opens for feeding i have used this method for a few years and works wonders for like $10-$15

Just be sure to smooth down the holes after they have been drilled. I have seen some pretty nasty scratches from them.

 

[ZoanthidAddict]

Yes very important sorry forgot to mention that thanks

 

[Marquiseo]

You can't go wrong with a Flame Wrasse.

A cheaper option for a acclimation box would be the strawberry storage containers you commonly see at the supermarket. Just use an algae scraper to hold it up. Place the wrasse in and make sure it is snapped closed.

The containers like this:

You can drill additional holes if need be but it was fine for me as a last minute acclimation box.

 

[tjsmk8]

Now that the new year is here, I'm working on wrasse selection again. Based on current availability (from LA since I have some credit to use), price, what I think looks good, and an anticipated delivery day of Friday the 8th, I'm considering the following combination.

Cirrhilabrus exquisitus - Exquisite Fairy
Paracheilinus mccoskeri - McCosker's Flasher
Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura - Bluehead Fairy
Paracheilinus carpenteri - Carpenter's Flasher

Are there any likely issues with this group? I'm not overly attached to any of them, so please don't hesitate to recommend any changes.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Now that the new year is here, I'm working on wrasse selection again. Based on current availability (from LA since I have some credit to use), price, what I think looks good, and an anticipated delivery day of Friday the 8th, I'm considering the following combination.

Cirrhilabrus exquisitus - Exquisite Fairy
Paracheilinus mccoskeri - McCosker's Flasher
Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura - Bluehead Fairy
Paracheilinus carpenteri - Carpenter's Flasher

Are there any likely issues with this group? I'm not overly attached to any of them, so please don't hesitate to recommend any changes.

Those should all be compatible.

 

[Baldguy]

If you dont have an acclimation box cricket boxes work great drill holes all over and use a medium mag float to attach it to the glass they have a top that opens for feeding i have used this method for a few years and works wonders for like $10-$15

Kritter Keepers work great. Available in different sizes.

Just be sure to smooth down the holes after they have been drilled. I have seen some pretty nasty scratches from them.

Use an old soldering iron to melt holes. Leaves nice smooth edges.

 

[ZoanthidAddict]

Should be fine with those together

 

[tjsmk8]

I finally have an update for this thread - fish are ordered! I ended up making one (hopefully) minor change to the list though. Due to my procrastination, the McCoskers was not available, and I replaced it with a blue flasher. Should I anticipate any issues with the new list? The fish won't ship until Thursday, so I have time to make changes if necessary. Thanks

 

[tautog83]

get the african exquistes, such a pretty fish . La sometimes have labouts fairy wrasses on super sale. during xmas time they had 15% off and they were only $80 , was a steal for one of my favorite wrasses

 

[eatbreakfast]

I finally have an update for this thread - fish are ordered! I ended up making one (hopefully) minor change to the list though. Due to my procrastination, the McCoskers was not available, and I replaced it with a blue flasher. Should I anticipate any issues with the new list? The fish won't ship until Thursday, so I have time to make changes if necessary. Thanks

The cyaneus will fill the slot of the mcoskeri nicely.