Wrasse suggestions...

[jdaven22]

I am wanting to add a wrasse or more (if possible) to my tank and was wanting people's suggestions.

My tank is a JBJ 30g rimless. I have plenty of Manado live rock that has a lot of caves, nooks, and crevices.

I was thinking about the following;

-Mystery
-McCosker's flasher
-Carpenter flasher
-Hooded fairy
-Red Velvet fairy

Now, obviously I cannot house all of these and I know that some are pushing the limit of being too large. I was wanting any input on which ones would be a good choice for my tank. Currently the only fish in my tank are an Onyx clown pair that are about 2'' and 1.5''. No inverts other than hermits, margarita snails, and turbo snails.

 

[ReeferBee]

The mystery will out grow a 30g IMO and may become territorial and aggressive. I don't think you'll have a problem with any of the fairys or flashers. I love some wrasse

 

[evolved]

A 30g isn't big enough for any of those, IMO. Especially the fairys; far too small.

A possum wrasse is about the only type of wrasse I'd put in a 30g. That, or a pink streak wrasse.

A 30g doesn't provide enough lateral swimming space for flashers either, IMO.

 

[buddythelion]

+1 on no space. They won't do too well as wrasses are extremely active. Small tank, rimless, and jumpers = is super risky. I'd be checking the floor for any jumpers everyday!

 

[BillyC]

Agreed. Being a wrasse lover and seeing how actively they swim all over in my 120, it would be so sad to restrict their swimming to a 30g cube.

 

[jdaven22]

Wow, I had no idea that my tank was too small for these (the Mystery I knew was pushing the limits). I went by LiveAquaria's website. I have heard that they were relatively close on their sizing requirements and gave out good information. I had a McCosker's in my Solana for a year until I broke it down and sold all the equipment/livestock.

Not worried about anything jumping out, I have a mesh top for it. But if it is too small then I will go another route.

 

[Blake11rebel]

Not everyone can afford a 120g tank and all the costs associated with it. I think some of the smaller flashers and fairy wrasses would be ok if u only got 1 or 2. Im actually looking to add one of these to my 30g and would like to hear some more opinions

 

[corals1dennis]

I have had many wrasses in tanks.In my opinion i would not put a fairy or mystery in a 30g.They are far to active especially if you get a nice colored up male.All they do is swim the whole tank constantly.There are a few types of fairy that max out in the 3" range.If you are going to put one in there put a flasher.They stay a little smaller.

 

[buddythelion]

Not everyone can afford a 120g tank and all the costs associated with it. I think some of the smaller flashers and fairy wrasses would be ok if u only got 1 or 2. Im actually looking to add one of these to my 30g and would like to hear some more opinions

Just because you can't afford a good home for them means you should be allowed to keep them? I don't think so.

But the good news is that a 30 gallon isn't exactly tiny. I would say that you could keep flashers, possum wrasses, and for fairies a lubbock's or social wrasse are two good options.

 

[Blake11rebel]

Thanks, I just hate it when people say they would hate to restrict a fish by putting it in a smaller tank than what they have because to me thats hypocritical when most of these beautiful fish come from the ocean. There is a difference between 120g and the ocean! Why would you restrict them to that. lol I also would like to say that I am by no means an expert and im trying to learn everything I can from all the friendly people here

 

[buddythelion]

Thanks, I just hate it when people say they would hate to restrict a fish by putting it in a smaller tank than what they have because to me thats hypocritical when most of these beautiful fish come from the ocean. There is a difference between 120g and the ocean! Why would you restrict them to that. lol I also would like to say that I am by no means an expert and im trying to learn everything I can from all the friendly people here

Hmm. I was trying to make the point that if you have a tank smaller than the recommended/advised tank than people are telling you for the fish I would listen to their advice. I'm with everyone else's post that most of the wrasses need a rather large space to swim around in.

But for a 30 gallon, there are a few smaller wrasses you could get by with. Lubbock, six line, flasher, and social/parrot wrasse are some that I think would be fine in a 30 gallon. Although for a flasher I'm still iffy. I'd be more comfortable and have a peace of mind keeping it in a 40 gallon rather than a 30. The difference between 30 and 40 isn't much, that's why you might be able to get away with a 30. I've seen it done before, so you should have no problems.

 

[Blake11rebel]

I didnt know u had posted on the topic until afterwards hah Im actually going to try and catch the six line wrasse I have in my tank because its being to aggressive and trade it in to a LFS for store credit on a peaceful wrasse. I agree that alot of other wrasses need a bigger aquarium but like you pointed out there are still other options. That was really my whole point. I dislike it when people dont do there homework before buying an animal and thats why this site is so important. thank you for your input buddy