Family/Congener Compatibility: Rabbits, Wrasses & Surgeons 10/27/07
Hello Crew-person! A preliminary "thanks!" for giving this one some thought.
<Howdy, and just as timely welcome>
I am currently in the process of putting together a 180 gal. FOWLR w/DSB, refugium, and all the usual hardware. I've maintained marine systems for about 8 years now and have kept most of the following species at one time or another but want to further investigate their family/congener compatibility in a larger system:
<I see>
First, I have never mixed Rabbit species and have heard that doing so could promote mild warfare. I currently have a 6-inch One-spot Foxface Rabbit (Siganus Lo unimaculatus) that will be bumped up to the 180 and want to introduce a Magnificent Rabbitfish (Siganus magnificus) concurrently. Is this possible given the tank size? Should the S. magnificus be of different size? Thoughts?
<Mmm, let's see... a couple of general statements. I have seen mixed species of Siganids "passing" each other in the wild many times... Some of the schooling species occasionally blended together in good numbers... Have never come upon open aggression w/in the family on the reef either... I don't think you will have trouble here... but if you do, you will see this happening... fins erect, bodies at an angle... them obviously avoiding each other...>
Next, I'm a nut for the Labroides.
<Mmm, from below... not the genus of Cleaners, but the family of wrasses... Labrids>
Once again, given the somewhat larger confines, could I house 3 Wrasse species, each from a different genus? I have in mind an Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus), a male/female pair of the Cortez Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum), and a Cuban Hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus) - (they will probably spend the first few hours trying to figure out why they've never seen anything that looked like that before!!).
<These also should be fine together>
Finally, the next subject family is the Acanthurids, specifically the Powder-brown Tang (Acanthurus japonicus) and the Chevron Tang (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis). I would not anticipate any problems here.... suggestions?
<No worries>
Thanks again, my friends.
David A. Bell
<Hello David! Bob Fenner>

Leopard and Fairy Wrasse Together? - 03/10/07
Hope all is well crew.
<<Doing fine, thank you>>
My question for today is would a leopard wrasse get along with my yellow sided fairy wrasse.
<<Is likely, yes>>
The tank is a 90 gallon reef.
<<Too small really...do you have a large and mature in-line refugium to help provide a ready supply of foodstuffs for these little understood and often quite difficult to feed fishes?>>
I really like the potters leopard wrasse.
<<A beautiful fish>>
But all are Beautiful.
<<Indeed>>
What Leopard would you suggest?
<<None are easy...all are delicate shippers and fussy to get to feed.  The majority (80%?...maybe more?) don't survive more than a week or so after capture.  If you can find one that is already feeding on Mysis and/or New Life Spectrum pellets (the latter is important for long-term health in my experience) then you may have a chance of keeping one of these amazing fishes alive.  But if you have any doubts...either in the health/vitality of the fish or your ability to provide for its long-term well-being...do please pass it up for a more suitable species.  Regards, EricR>>

Re: Leopard and Fairy Wrasse Together? - 03/11/07
Thank you for your quick response.
<<Quite welcome>>
Unfortunately at this point I don't have a refuge but I have about 30 pounds of LR just randomly thrown in the sump.
<<Ah...then is a refugium "of sorts">>
The live rock is definitely loaded with pods, and I've seen live Mysis shrimp swimming through the rocks too.
<<Good>>
It's the second time that I've seen my LFS bring in a leopard wrasse and each one has been eating well.
<<Good again>>
But I was concerned more about putting two wrasses in the same tank.
<<Mmm...more concerned than whether the species is suitable for your tank to begin with?...unfortunate>>
Which I've found out the hard way is not a good idea (or at least 2 aggressive species).
<<Indeed, some species are more suitable for mixing in a small tank than others.  It would be wise to avoid species from the genus Pseudocheilinus here.  EricR>>

R2: Leopard and Fairy Wrasse Together? - 03/11/07
The two wrasses I attempted were in my aggressive tank.  FYI species from the genera Coris and Choerodon.
<<I see>>
My Harlequin didn't want any thing to do with a Red Coris I attempted.
<<Hmm, perhaps in a larger system...>>
But once again thank you for your very quick responses.  I might actually try a leopard wrasse.
Josh
<<Can be kept...but is rare.  Something from the genus Halichoeres would be much hardier, as peaceful, and some are just as amazingly colored (e.g. - Halichoeres ornatissimus).  Regards, EricR>>

Need some sanity for my wrasses   1/4/07
Hi-
<Hello Nathan, JustinN with you today.>
I have a 50gal reef tank.
<Ok>
Besides a day-night pH fluctuation that bothers me, I have no issues. I have a blue carpet that minds it's business, more than several SPS's, some polyps, 4 shrimp, a host of hermits, a starfish that I forget the name of the Ophiothrix type, 400 Watt 15k augmented with 64 actinic, moon, skimmer, chiller, on and on and on :) I have zero issues in my tank. EXCEPT! Flasher wrasses will not stay alive in my tank. For fish I have a Fridmani Pseudochromis, one ocellaris clown, an exquisite wrasse and a unknown wrasse of the same genus.
<You are very close to, if not already, full on bio-load here.>
The Exquisite is a male. I have read that Cirrhilabrus and Paracheilinus can coexist easily.
<Certainly, in a large enough setting>
These 2 wrasses are such characters and will even let me pet their noses (I know it isn't a nose!) when I feed them. The are very playful and well established. I have tried to put in my tank 2 smaller Paracheilinus wrasses (cyanus and carpenteri) and both died the same way: they looked happy and established, were eating, then the next day they are curled up with labored breathing in the corner only to die no matter what I do (I put them in isolation and it is too late). Honestly, I see them looking ok, eating one minute, then near death 1 hours later.
<I would think that both wrasse and the Pseudochromis are all culprits here.>
My only guess is that the combination of Paracheilinus being a bit tender and wimpy combined with the territoriality of my Pseudochromis  (it will not allow the flashers near the rock pile during the light hours) are driving these beautiful wrasses out of their mind and they die. But what is odd is that the Pseudochromis never bothers the Cirrhilabrus.
<You may just not notice it, or it may be that they're already established. However, I agree that the Pseudochromis is likely the lead culprit, though I would not exonerate the wrasse yet!>
I just need someone to tell me my supposition is plausible, or what I might do to remedy it, because I will not let another fish die until I fix the problem (and fixing it maybe giving up on owning a  Paracheilinus). While Paracheilinus are beautiful so it my solid purple Pseudochromis. Could this all be due to the Pseudochromis? If you think so, I might consider trapping him and trading him to another tank.
<I would consider your tank pretty close to full as it is, and if its been successful until now, I would continue with your current stocking list. If you cannot upgrade to a larger settings, I would pass on another wrasse. I would only feel comfortable adding some sort of small fish, such as a small goby or Ecsenius sp. blenny into your current arrangement, in fear of tipping the bio-load too far.>
Thank you,
Nathan Tableman
<No problem, Nathan. Hope this helps you! -JustinN>

Fish compatibility family Labridae  12/23/06
Crew,
<Bryan>
From what I have researched, I have found nothing negative about the compatibility of a Sixline Wrasse and a Twospot Hogfish.  However if the hogfish is part of the wrasse family, could there be an issue here if the two were in the same tank?  
<These two specimens both of the family Labridae should be able to be housed in the same aquarium if not overcrowded.>  
I like both of the fish, but not sure if I can have them in the same tank.  Any advice on keeping the two together?  
<Larger tank, smaller fish and introducing them at the same time would be the best recipe for success.  Good luck!>   
Thanks,
<Welcome!  -Mich>
Bryan

4-line and Clown Wrasse?  10/24/06
Hi Crew,
<John>
I currently have a 90g reef tank with a 4-line Wrasse, Coral Beauty, and One-spot Foxface.  My LFS has a nice Clown Wrasse that I'd like to add (after QT, of course).  What are the chances of the 4-line and Clown Wrasse peacefully co-existing?
<Pretty good in this size/type setting>
  The 4-line is about 3" and the Clown Wrasse is about 4".  The 4-line has been in the tank the longest but is currently at the bottom of the pecking order.
Thank you,
John H.
<I would try this introduction in the AM, when the lights are first on... and you can be about to intervene should there be real trouble... But I suspect there is sufficient space/habitat for all here. Bob Fenner>

I was wondering if a blue line wrasse is a reef safe fish?    10/8/06
Thank You
<Well, depends what you mean as the Bluelined wrasse.  If you mean Stethojulis albovittata, then I don't believe you should even have that animal in captivity - it will die.  No question about it.  So it really doesn't matter whether its reef safe or not - which I wouldn't put it in a reef tank.  However the Christmas/ornate wrasse Halichoeres ornatissimus I've also heard called a blue line wrasse would be OK mixed with corals however may be a threat to fanworms, small hermit crabs, snails, and ornamental shrimps - so I wouldn't really add it to a full reef tank either.  I'd recommend looking elsewhere for a suitable reef addition.  Try some research of WWM.  Have a good one, Jen S.>

Puddingwife Wrasse...Snail/crab compatibility  9-19-06
What up WWM Crew?
< A preposition for a direction. Just kidding, howdy! >
I've put a deposit down on a juvenile Puddingwife Wrasse so that I could do some more research on them...he was cool looking/interesting in the store.
< Beautiful fish. Research ids always good, I could use some myself! >
I've found that he will one day be too big for my aquarium, but am willing to deal with that problem when it arrives.
< Spoken like a good foster parent. >
I've read that they eat mollusks/sea urchins in the wild...that being kind of a broad statement, do you think that my snails and hermit crabs will be in danger from this guy?
< Oh, yes. One of their favorite things to do is to pick up the snails/hermit crabs, and beat them on the rocks until the good stuff comes out. Horribly entertaining, but very taxing on your clean-up crew. >
Also, are these fish generally wild caught or farm raised? Just curious.
< Wild caught, but captive breeding is being worked on daily. >
Thanks again,
Brad
< Good luck! RichardB >

Wrasse/Cirrhilabrus Compatibility - 08/03/06
Dear WWM,
<<Good Morning>>
We have a six-line wrasse, a yellow finned female fairy wrasse, a twin-spot or clown coris wrasse, and a red head solar or clown fairy wrasse.  With regards to the twin-spot we did not know what we had until we brought it home and looked it up (we typically do not buy anything without doing this first but this one time we did, so...).
<<Mmm, yes...impulse buying...most all have been there/done that.  You since have learned this fish will grow to be a bruiser/will eat your other fish, perhaps returning it is in order?>>
The yellow finned female fairy wrasse keeps chasing the red head Solor or clown fairy wrasse.  We are considering getting
another clown fairy wrasse (to possibly stop getting the one we have now chased) but I read that males can be aggressive within their own species so that may not be the best thing to do.  What is your opinion on this and is there a way to tell a male from a female clown fairy wrasse?
<<The "fairy" or "flasher" wrasses are not "gentle" fishes as the name might imply.  Keeping multiples is usually limited to keeping single specimens of interspecifics together, or keeping a male and "several" females (to "spread" the male's attentions).  Even then, some bickering may occur among interspecifics until a "pecking order" is obtained.  And like most all fishes, my experience with wrasses has been that the species most similar in size/color will fight the most with the larger species ignoring the smaller species...unless their big enough to eat them, of course.  As for sexing Cirrhilabrus solorensis, to be honest I don't know...I'm not even sure this species is sexually dimorphic>>
We are also considering getting a yellow coris wrasse and a radiant wrasse.
<<By "yellow coris wrasse" do you mean Halichoeres chrysus?  An excellent and relatively peaceful aquarium fish in my opinion, though I do wish folks could get away from calling this fish a "coris" wrasse.  I think "canary" wrasse is more suitable/descriptive of its nature...but enough of my rant>>
Do you think we will have any trouble if we add these?  Our
current tank is a 210 gal. and we are considering buying a 500 gal. from our local saltwater shop as he is downsizing and if so will move everyone into this tank.
<<Even with the 210 I think you're fine, as far as bio-load.  But I do have concerns with the six-line and the twin-spot wrasses.  These may make it difficult to add future specimens.  The six-line looks small/cute enough, but can be real monsters.  I have seen these kill newly introduced wrasses of similar size...even in very large systems>>
I would also like to say that we have struggled with Goniopora but either our tank is extremely established or squirting it with phytoplankton from a turkey baster is doing the trick.
<<Mmm, a difficult species for anyone...Most don't survive their first few months, those that do rarely make it a year...probably best left in the ocean until we learn more about it/its care>>
We bought a small $10 one and it is doing wonderful, puffing out all over the place since I have been squirting it.  I feed it every other day.  Maybe this will help someone else if they are having trouble.
<<I do hope yours continues to prosper>>
Thank you guys <<and gals>> so much for this website and all of your insight on the saltwater world.
<<We're all happy to help>>
It is extremely difficult to find people willing to help and with the experience and knowledge that you have.
<<Is indeed a cumulative effort>>
Best regards,
Marc & Belinda Barry
<<Cheers, Eric Russell>>

Re: Wrasse Compatibility II - 08/03/06
Dear WWM,
<<Hello...Eric here again>>
Thank you so much for your quick response.
<<Quite welcome>>
Yes we have had trouble with our six-line in the past chasing other fish but for some reason has settled down over the past few months.
<<Well and good my friend...but keep a watchful eye on any new additions.  The fact the six-line wrasse has been in/acclimated to the system for several months can spell disaster for newly added fishes of similar size/habits/food preferences>>
We did not realize that the twinspot would kill other fish.
<<Not so much a "killer" of fish as it will "consume" fishes small enough to eat.  About like most wrasse species would do...just that this one will get quite big (to 24" in the wild)>>
Would this be a danger now in his juvenile (sp?) stage?
<<Not with what you have listed>>
We do have smaller gobies in the tank.
<<Likely not a worry for now>>
When we called the fish store we were told it would take 4 years before he would grow to be big enough to do any damage and then would only go after snails, ornamental shrimp, small crabs, etc.
<<Mmm, can't say for sure just how long it will be before this fish becomes problematic (some factors to consider such as environmental constraints/developmental retardation, feeding/nutrition, bullying/stunting from other fishes, etc.), but I would think you will see problems before four years are up...nor do I agree with the opinion the fish will only go after invertebrates.  These may be preferred food stuffs, but in the confines of an aquarium, behaviors very often become "modified">>
We did talk about returning him, but not sure we can catch him.
<<All the more reason to research before you buy <grin> >>
We thought we would keep him until he got big and then give him to a friend who has a more aggressive tank (2 bird wrasses and not sure what else).
<<Okay>>
Or would it be best to try to catch him and relocate him to their tank now (referring to twinspot)?
<<Is up to you mate, but I think I would try to move it out now were this me>>
What is your opinion on our choices with the twinspot?
<<...?>>
I would feel really bad if he killed some of our fish as we have had them for a long time.
<<Ah, okay (I understand now)...I think all is fine at the moment>>
Is your opinion of Alveopora the same as Goniopora?  
<<Pretty darn close, Alveopora still requires expert/specialized care...>>
"Live long and prosper" :)
Thank you all,
Marc and Belinda
<<Is a pleasure to assist.  EricR>>

Her Wrasse is just too much for this tank   7/6/06
I have been reading all about wrasses on your site for some time now and   have thought that this would be a good fish to add to my tank.
<Mmm…well lets not be so broad, some are wholly inappropriate aquarium specimens (Napoleon) and some make long-lived and great pets (Six-Line).>
I have a 65 gallon reef tank that has a Regal Tang, Foxface,
<These two animals alone need upwards of 125 U.S. gallons at a conservative estimate…they should be removed soon.>
and Clownfish that school  together.  Which one of the wrasses would be best to add to this docile trio?
<I’m not so sure, I would consider this trio docile, the surgeon and the Rabbitfish are both territorial and voracious feeders and anemone-fish, especially larger females, can be quite ornery at times. Besides that at your tanks current stocking level I cannot recommend adding any specimen of fish at all, let alone a wrasse which are quite messy.>
I also have shrimp, clams, anemones, and of course, numerous corals  and polyps.  
<…>
There is sufficient live rock and bottom substrate for hiding  and I have two 14000k metal halide lights.
<Lighting isn’t an issue here…but space is.>
It is not fully covered, but  has a six inch top border in place.  I was looking at one from one of the  these genus:
Cirrhilabrus, Halichoeres, or Paracheilinus.  Your input is  greatly appreciated!
<Unfortunately just the above, once you fix the stocking predicament I will have some suggestions though.>
Lori
<A.J.>

Nasty Six-Line Wrasse - 5/2/2006
Hello to all the Wet Web Media Gurus-
<<HA! Happy helpers, :).>>
I have developed a problem with my two favorite fish- both wrasses.  After recently re-entering the hobby, I have been operating a 30 gallon reef tank for about a year.  Parameters of the tank are:
76 degrees F
PH 8.1
SPG 1.024
All my tests show that ammonia, nitrite/trate, calcium, alkalinity, etc. are good and consistent.
<<Numbers are always helpful.>>
I do a 5 gallon water change every week.
<<Good to hear.>>
The tank has live sand and rock, a substandard protein skimmer (upgraded SeaClone 100),
<<Ouch>>
a power head for circulation, some air stones for aeration, and a three stage trickle filter with a sponge, carbon, and bio-balls (which I just heard are bad???).
<<Not BAD, just not a favorite of many.>>
The tank is crowded- residents listed are in the order added:
1 blue/green Chromis
1 cleaner shrimp
1 peppermint shrimp
2 small snails
1 fairy wrasse
<<Many species possible.>>
mushrooms
1 small clown fish (1 1/2")
lawnmower blenny
<<Tank is much too small for this guy.>>
2 turbo snails
1 hammer coral
2" bubble tip anemone
1 six-line wrasse
3 feather duster worms
Also, looks like there are some zoos, small brittles, a hermit crab, and unfortunately a tree or colt coral that all came in as hitchhikers.  Now before you yell at me - I realize the errors of my ways and I am currently in the process of setting up a 72 gallon tank to house these guys.
<<You read my mind!  Are you running proper light/feeding the anemone?>>
Here's my problem:  The six-line has been bullying the fairy wrasse.
<<Not uncommon.>>
She has marks on her body and a small piece of her fin is nipped.
<<Poor girl.>>
I've pulled her out of the display and put her into a 10 gallon quarantine tank.  I've tried giving the six-line a "time-out" in the quarantine, rearranging the tank, etc.  Should I even attempt to put my poor beat up fairy into the 72 gallon with the six-line?  I suspect that the current crowded tank is exacerbating the bullying problem.
<<I agree.>>
I'd like to keep both of them if possible but I really don't want to keep the fairy in quarantine for the rest of her life.
Please advise.
<<Get the larger tank set up ASAP.  Introduce both fish at the same time, and watch them.  You may need to choose one over the other, but my guess is larger quarters will go a long way here.>>
Thanks,
Stephanie D.
<<Glad to help.  Lisa.>>

Burrowing Wrasses And Substrate-Dwelling LPS - 03/28/06
I am planning my first reef tank.
<<Exciting, isn't it?!>>
I am attempting to select the species of animals and fish I will ultimately keep.
<<This should be your first step in planning/building your system.>>
The tank is to be 90 gallon with ample live rock and a 3-4 inch Oolitic sand bed.
<<ok>>
I am interested in keeping a variety of SPS, LPS, Clams, and have become attracted to Fairy Wrasses.  My reading tells me that many species of wrasse sleep in the sand and that some species will burrow beneath the sand for some distance.
<<Yep>>
Will this present a problem for substrate dwelling LPS?
<<Shouldn't...I've kept burrowing wrasses for many years without any such problems.  More of a concern (in my opinion) are the sand-sifting gobies...these have a tendency to grab mouthfuls of substrate and then cruise over the reef 'crop-dusting' all the corals as they go.>>
Thanks,
Ed
<<Regards, EricR>>

Burrowing Wrasses And Substrate-Dwelling LPS II - 03/28/06
Dear Eric-
Thanks for the speedy reply.
<<Quite welcome>>
Since you mentioned Gobies-- I was also interested in a Yasha Hashe and a Pistol shrimp.  Will all live happily ever after?
ed
<<Neat little fish...should be no problem to house both with the flasher/fairy wrasses.  Regards, EricR>>

Wrasses/Compatibility   - 03/26/2006
Hi, <Hello Beth.> I have a 80 gal tank with live rock and sand, right now it only contains 2 chromis (1") and 1 Maroon Clown (3"). I want to add both a Carpenter Flasher Wrasse and Scotts Fairy Wrasse (male juveniles). Questions:
  1. Is this realistic to have both if added together? <Yes, both species have peaceful temperaments>
  2. Should I get any females to go with them and if so how many?  <Females do encourage the males to "flash" and perform courtship behavior.  I'd
probably go with two females for each.   
Thanks, Beth  <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>

Re:  Fish Compatibility  3/20/06
Hi and thanks for the quick response.  Based on your response, could I get a Halichoeres ornatissimus (xmas wrasse) and would it be a problem with my six line?  would any wrasse from the (sic) family  "Thalassoma"  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/ <Most Thalassoma wrasses exceed seven inches fully grown.  Compatibility, selection, etc all can be found on our web (sic) sight.  We just don't have time to spoon-feed/answer questions that have already been answered and posted on the Web Web.  Start here and read related FAQ's re your questions.   http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/
Thanks again,  <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Jose

Cirrhilabrus Wrasse Compatibility with Hermit Crabs   3/3/06
Thank you WWM Crew for all your past advice.
  Two of my Red Legged Hermit Crabs (Paguristes cadenati) disagree with the common fact that Cirrhilabrus Wrasses are "Reef Safe."
<Heee heee... who's "right?">
My Social Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis) must have gotten bored and ate up some free-range fish food.
<Yee hah! Get along little anomurans!>
It was no great loss (But a great show.)
  I post this experience just so others can know and so they will not get terrified if one of there Cirrhilabrus Wrasses takes down a tank mate.
   <Thanks>
  One thing, he has never eaten one of the Blue legged hermit crabs (Clibanarius tricolor) ???
<Not as tasty? Might if hungry enough. A point in lesson here: "All animals, as species, individuals are only to some degree "safe" or no"... Thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Compatibility/Wrasses/Coris Gaimard   2/23/06
Hello WWM Crew, <Hello Paul>
First off, I just want to say thank you for all the time and effort you put into responding to these questions/e-mails. <You're welcome>  Anyways, I currently have a 55 gal
tank with 3-4 inch sandy bottom with about 40 lbs of live rock.  The tank is stocked with:
Two Clown Fish (each ~3 in. the other about 4 in.)
One Coral Beauty Angelfish ( 4 in.)
Two Yellow-tailed Damsels (one about 1.5 in. the other about 1 in.)
One other fish that I'm not too sure what it is (given to me by a friend), but its about 3 in., yellow and not aggressive at all (just constantly swims back
and forth in the tank)
One Pulsating Xenia
One Leather Toadstool
Two Mushroom Polyps (Green Ricordea)
One Black Sea Cucumber (about 5-6 in.)
~ 20 Hermit Crabs
~ 10 Turbo Snails
~ 20 Nassarius Snails
Recently I ordered a beautiful Adult Coris gaimard (3-4 in.) (aka Red Coris Wrasse) that should be arriving shortly.  I read these fish need room to grow,
and I plan on upgrading the tank sometime in the near future.  I also saw that they are notoriously difficult to acclimate, but I have had good past
experiences with the shipper and acclimation so I'm not too concerned with the acclimation.  I also read that most of my inverts (my cleaning crew) will be
eaten within a few months by the wrasse, and while foraging for inverts the wrasse will knock over the rocks the corals are attached to. My questions
are:  One: should I remove any of my current fish to avoid conflicts with the wrasse or to avoid overstocking? <The wrasse should get along with the fish you have and think you would be overstocking the tank with the addition of the wrasse.> Two: will the wrasse pick on my cucumber? <A very good chance he will.>
(I wouldn't want to wake up to a dead cucumber in the morning, along with every other fish!)  Three:  are there any good alternatives for a  
cleaning crew that would be compatible with the wrasse? <In nature the coris will eat shelled mollusks including hermit crabs, urchins, tunicates.  Snails will be picked on.> Four: will the wrasse pick on any of my corals? <A chance.  This wrasse is not an ideal candidate for a reef tank so any inverts may be at risk here.>  Finally: any good ideas for a method to prevent the coral from being toppled over? <Glue it to the rock with reef safe epoxy.> (I was thinking to attach the rocks the corals
are growing on via rubber bands to the larger live rocks in the tank, or maybe something like that.)  Any help/advice you could offer would be more than
appreciated!  <Paul, why would you order a fish already knowing what may be destroyed in your tank.  Doesn't make sense to me.>
Thanks You, <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
Paul

Do you consider a Lunare Wrasse reef safe (except with shrimp)?  - 02/16/2006
<... on a sliding scale of 1 to 10...>
Will it damage other inverts and corals?
Thanks,
Kent
<Unless in a large (hundreds of gallons), I give this and most Thalassoma species a low score. Bob Fenner>

Six-Line Wrasse and Expensive Meals 01/22/06
To the esteemed wet web media crew:
<<Hello - Ted here>>
I have a 55-gallon FOWLR tank with approximately 70 pounds of live rock, a 1-inch crushed-coral bottom, an external Magnum 350 canister filter, two powerheads, and an Excalibur skimmer.  I also use a small HOB refugium with an opposite light cycle.  The tank and refugium both have Chaetomorpha macroalgae, and have been up for about a year.  The stock includes a flame angel, two true perculas, four yellow Chromises, 1 cleaner shrimp, and three peppermint shrimp.  I also have an assortment of snails and hermit crabs.  I thought about adding a six-line wrasse as the final fish, but noted in your FAQs they may eat the shrimp.<<They will also eat snails and hermit crabs.>>  Should I pass on the Six-Line and try for a fairy or flasher wrasse?<<Pass on the Six-Line if you value your invertebrates.>>  I've not seen either a Flasher or Fairy wrasse for sale in three fish stores I frequent.<<Virtually all wrasses are capable of eating snails, hermit crabs or shrimps. Fairy wrasses may not be as inclined but you should be beware of the risk.>> I like the shrimp (although the cleaner shrimp is the only one routinely seen without searching), and can think of less expensive meals for the fish.  Thank you for your help.
<<You're welcome - Ted>>

Fairy Wrasse Compatibility - 11/16/05
I added a Redfin Fairy Wrasse and 2 female Carpenter's Wrasses to my 135 gallon tank a couple of days ago.
<<I love Fairy Wrasses!>>
Would it be OK to add a Solar Fairy Wrasse, a male Carpenter's Wrasse, and a Scott's Fairy Wrasse?
<<Considering the size of your tank, yes. I have mixed some of these wrasses before with no issues...quite peaceful with other species for the most part, most any/all aggression is conspecific.>>
If so should I add them all at one time?
<<If possible, yes...but not absolutely necessary.>>
Do I need to add the new fish ASAP since I already have the Redfin Fairy Wrasse in my tank?
<<Again, not absolutely necessary.>>
Thanks for your help,
Thresa
<<Regards, EricR>>

Wrasse Compatibility or the Lack Thereof..?  11/15/05
Hi,
I have a 220g tank with 250lbs of live rock and a large skimmer. I have yet to stock the tank and was wondering if I could have some advice on my fish list? Right now all I have is a school of Chromis and I was planning to slowly stock the tank with only quarantined fish
<Fishes if more than one species>
and place the more docile species in first.
<Good plan>
I would really like to keep several wrasses and was wondering if a harlequin tusk, a red Coris (yellowtail), a Scott's fairy, an exquisite wrasse, and a canary yellow wrasse would all get along if stocked around the same time and were small?
Thanks
Brandon
<In this size system, likely yes... in about the opposite order you list them. Cheers, Bob Fenner> 

Stocking Wrasses - 11/08/05
Hi,
<<Hello>>
I have a 220g fish only with 250 plus pounds of live rock. I have a large skimmer and plan to incorporate a refugium.
<<Excellent>>
My question has to deal with stocking the tank.
<<Ok>>
I plan to make it a relatively peaceful community tank and would like to keep an assortment of wrasses. I plan to keep a Harlequin Tusk and a Banana Wrasse. But I wasn't sure what other wrasses I could keep peacefully with these.
<<Many to choose from.>>
Is there any certain stocking rule for Fairy and Flasher Wrasses?
<<Depends on who you talk to...I've heard some say as many as eight females per male to spread out aggression...I feel two to four females per male is fine, if the tank is large enough.>>
I've heard Flasher Wrasses can be kept in groups (one male with multiple females) but I also wanted to keep several male fairy wrasses of differing species (Scott's, Exquisite, etc).
<<I have done this in the past without interspecific aggression in a large tank such as yours, though some species may be more tolerant/intolerant of others. The biggest risk with these beautiful wrasses, in my opinion, is their tendency to jump out of the tank. It's not a matter of "if"...but of "when". Regards, EricR>>

Evil Sixline Wrasse - 08/08/2005
I added a sixline wrasse to my 29 gallon reef a few months ago that contained a common clown, two skunk cleaner shrimps, an emerald crab, a handful of hermit crabs, some cerith snails, etc.
<Sounds good....  so far....  The word "evil" in your e-mail's subject leads me to believe that all did not *stay* good....>
Earlier this summer, when I returned from a week's vacation, I discovered that the sixline, after being in my tank for only two weeks, had killed both cleaner shrimps, the emerald crab, and most of my hermit crab population.
<Yikes!  Though, I have heard/read of them taking out shrimp, on occasion....  I personally prefer the fourline, P. tetrataenia, which is reportedly less apt to mess with your crusties.>
Also, my "pod" population has dramatically fallen,
<Very much to be expected.>
as well as the cerith and dwarf brittlestar numbers.
<I'm a touch surprised at the snail, but the little brittles - yeah, I imagine they might be snacked upon.>
I have seen my sixline nipping at snails and the surviving hermits and am sure that this other decline in microfauna can be attributed to him. These fish are supposedly reef safe,
<Well, to a degree, yes.  Mandarinfish are "reef safe", as well, but will consume enough pods and such to wipe out all but very large systems in rather short amounts of time.  I think what is commonly meant by "reef safe" is that the animal is unlikely to harass corals.>
and I have only heard of one other "bad" sixline that kills fish.
<They do seem quite fish-safe.>
Is it safe to say that my fish cannot be trusted around any other invertebrates?
<I would say this is a correct assumption.>
Mine seems to be best of buddies with my clownfish....  
<And should continue to be so, should you choose to keep him.  I doubt you will see any aggression between these two.>
A reef just isn't the same without invertebrates running around....  
<Agreed.  For this reason, I am not considering a sixline in my system.>
Thanks for your time.
<And thanks for writing in.  Next time, do be certain to read as much as you can about a potential addition to your tank prior to adding it; there is much information on the web and even on WWM about this and other Pseudocheilinus' tastes for inverts.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Checkerboard wrasse? 7/7/05
Hello,
just have a quick question. I have the opportunity to purchase a checkerboard wrasse,  I was wondering if it was reef safe, mostly coral and clam safe. < Yep, sounds safe to me.  It may pick at some small inverts but overall a very safe fish. > The wrasse is 4 inches long right now and would be goin into a 135 gallon with 150 pounds of live rock. are they finicky feeders? < I don't believe so.  Having lots of quality live rock will certainly help, and really any balanced foods will be fine. > and I have a 2 inch six line will this be a problem? < Should not be a problem in a tank that size. > I understand the wrasse gets to 12 " and I'm under stocked on fish right now. < So far I think you would be fine.  If it ever gets that big you can  get rid of it later, but that would be years down the road. > <<I'd rate Halichoeres wrasses as "medium" in the reef safe category... RMF>>
thanks a lot
Tristan
<  Blundell  >

Lunare wrasse
I love your site. It is at the top of my favorite bookmarks. I have a 110 gal
tank with a dogfaced puffer and a Fiji Damsel (blue). I have 40 lb of sand
and about 25 lbs of rock (base rock and live rock mixed).  The tank has been
running for about 3 months.  I am thinking of getting a lunare wrasse but I don't
want anything that is going to hurt my puffer: I love him way too much ;)  I
am looking for something to add color and more character to the tank. (not
that the puffer isn't full of character!)  I am also looking for something
hearty.  I have a 10 gal QT that is well established, even has some snails in it.
That is where any new fish will spend at least 3 or 4 weeks.  Do you think a
lunare wrasse  would be a wise choice for my tank?  If not a wrasse, how about a
yellow tang? <The Lunare Wrasse would be fine, keeping in mind they can attain a length of 10 inches.  They do like meaty foods and should not be placed in a reef tank.  You didn't mention corals or inverts so I'm assuming this is a fish only tank.  The lunare does like to burrow in sand for the night as other wrasses do, so be sure you have about three inches of sand.  James (Salty Dog)>
thanks very much <You're welcome, Beth>
Beth

Solution for wrasses, Cortez, Halichoeres compatibility
Hi and thanks for your time!
<And to you, for you for yours>
I "rescued" a rainbow wrasse from a very aggressive tank where it was being nipped and was ill to the point of lying on its side lethargic with fast resps.
Rainbow was nursed back to health in a QT. (whoo hoo)& placed in a 100 gal tank w/30 combo refugium-sump w/ protein skim. Tankmates are Foxface, damsel and lawnmower blenny. The rainbow is very active and swims aggressively (like most drivers on our freeways) running into the other fish as he zooms by! Well, time passed and he was doing the tail slaps in the sand and getting along well. 
Until that is, I saw a beaut, banana wrasse, pastel colors, easy going swimmer, and the store owners said "it belonged to someone else's tank prior, is prob a male and they (banana and rainbow) may have a few altercations but should be fine."
<Mmm, not really>
Well rainbow had a favorite rock but after he saw banana, whatever rock banana went to the rainbow challenged her. Sand and a blur of colors were observed from under many live rock hideouts.  I rearranged the rock and meanwhile they kept at it and I noticed several nip marks on both with banana getting the worst of it.  I took out rainbow and put her back in QT for now and completely rearranged the live rock.
Banana is happily swimming along peacefully in the 100 gallon and tankmates are happy. So I'm wondering.. is there any hope for these two?
<Not together>
Should I wait a week and reintroduce the Cortez rainbow..&/or consider other tankmates? 
<The latter>
Could the prior abuse rainbow took at the store have made her temporarily battle ready? Any suggestions are welcome. I thank you and the fish thank you!
(FYI Rainbow was at the store a couple months. Rainbow has been in our home 1.5 months.)
Teresa
<I'd look into either getting another system going, or trading one of the wrasses in. Bob Fenner> 

Re: Solution for wrasses, compatibility
Thanks Bob, just FYI saw the banner on the FAQ website - We believed
our second wrasse (banana) is a Thalassoma lutescens, not a
Halichoeres... But your advice is sound in either case (and agreed with
my (BJ's) first impression).
<Tis>
Grace,
BJ and Teresa
<Ah, real good. Bob Fenner>

Wrasse compatibility
Thank you for answering my questions regarding wrasse compatibility.  The banana wrasse AKA yellow wrasse is actually the gentler of the two (Cortez/rainbow wrasse) so we ended up returning the rainbow to our favorite family fish store. We added a blonde Naso tang and there have been a few tail slaps from the small Damsel towards her.. but the funny thing is the Banana wrasse is quite a peacemaker.. running interference between these two and staying close to the tang. 
I appreciate your time and I will research further before adding anything else knowing that you can't always rely on some stores to tell you who will get along with who. They may be trying to make a sale, speaking in terms of the majority knowing there are exceptions to the rules, or just plain clueless. 
What a wonderful asset your crew is to those in the hobby! Overall we have found most people in the business to be friendly, helpful and caring toward their livestock. Your dedication and patience is commendable. 
Thanks again,
Teresa
<You are certainly welcome. Bob Fenner> 

Green Wrasse
Hi, I was wondering if the Green Wrasse (Halichoeres chloropterus) when people say not reef safe for this fish what do they mean EG they eat coral polyps, crustaceans ETC ?
<According to fishbase.org, "Feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey, including mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins"... And as it is a small species, a high/er score on blanket "reef safeness". Bob Fenner>  

Welcome to fishbase, the Net...
Hi, I was wondering if the Green Wrasse (Halichoeres chloropterus) when people say not reef safe for this fish what do they mean E.G. they eat coral polyps, crustaceans ETC ?
<Take a read re this species and the next whatever number you have in mind on fishbase.org re nutrition, life habits... Bob Fenner> 

PLEASE HELP! Fish dying/ fish living... and mixing wrasse species
Hi WWM Crew!
     My fish will be done with their 30 days of Coppersafe on Sat.
<This is... getting too long for copper exposure... if such treatment doesn't "do the trick" in the first two weeks...>
I ended up putting the Raccoon Butterfly back in the copper treatment after transferring her to a 30 gal. to treat her for a secondary bacterial infection with Furan-2. Her tailfin has grown back and her skin will hopefully improve more when the copper is removed.
<I hope so too>
     My question today is actually about Wrasse compatibility. I had done research on your website before purchasing my second Wrasse, a Radiant or Iridis Wrasse [Halichoeres iridis- He was in a separate qt and not with the fish being treated] I have a Red Headed Solon Fairy Wrasse [Cirrhilabrus Solorensis] currently in the sick tank, though he has never had signs of ich. I moved the Radiant Wrasse to the main tank after it had been fallow for 5 weeks, he seems to be very timid and shy.
<They are>
My Redheaded Wrasse is also quite the 'fraidy fish', the Raccoon even scares him! Like I said, I did lots of reading about Wrasses and even wrote to you guys and came to the conclusion these two peaceful Wrasses would be fine.
<Should be>
   I have since been reading opinions on your chat forum where a lot of people say not to mix Wrasses.
<Mmm, depends on the species in question... most places one can go diving on this planet, you find different species of labrids together...>
Now I am concerned. The Radiant Wrasse [in the main tank first] is smaller than the Redheaded Wrasse. They both seem so peaceful and timid I hope they will be fine together. In your opinion,[ which I value very much!] how do you think they will do?  I love Wrasses, I would have a tank full if I could!  Thank you so much for your help, Kim
<I think you'll be fine here. Bob Fenner>

Lunar Wrasse
Greetings and Salutations Bob Fenner,
<Salutem dicit Chris>
Bob I recently purchased a Lunar Wrasse and presently house it in a 90 gallon tank with a bunch of other fish like; tang, clown and other. I also have a predator tank or more aggressive tank with lionfish, trigger and butterfly. The question is this, I need to buy a bunch of snails and stuff however the wrasse annoys them and probably eats them.
<Yes>
Every time I buy a new order my wife say's that the Lunar is fine dining. I have been trying to scoop him out over the past 3 days (I leave a net hanging in the aquarium) with no luck, however the other fish are starting to get annoyed, any suggestions?
<Two nets... and perhaps help from your wife to net this fish out and move it in with the other tanks inhabitants. Bob Fenner>

- Mixing Sixline and Leopard Wrasses -
Hello Mr. Fenner,
<JasonC here in his stead.>
Sorry to bother you but I have tried searching and really have not found an answer pertaining specifically to this pairing. We are contemplating purchasing a trio of Leopard wrasses and currently have a sixline wrasse in our 220 gallon tank right now. A friend of ours has a 450 gallon tank who is also considering purchasing a few leopards and he too has a sixline wrasse already. Will the sixline and the leopards get along? 
<If the sixline wrasses is already in the tank, there is a greater likelihood of problems.>
We will be moving up to a 500 gallon tank from our current 220gallon tank which is 8 feet long with lots of live rock for hiding spaces and will keep the same 8 foot length in the larger tank with greater height and depth. We have a Naso, Blue Regal, Bristletooth tangs and a Rabbit fish along with 2 Square Spot Anthias, 6 Banggai Cardinals, 2 purple Firefish, 1 Zebra Dart goby, 2 blue-green Chromis, 2 Mandarins, 2 True Perc's and 1 Pearly Jawfish in our tank which is SPS dominant with a deep sand bed. We would wait to add the leopards once we have our new tank settled but would like to know if this would be a compatibility issue for these 2 types of wrasses. 
<I think in a tank of this size the odds are pretty good, but again I'd try and introduce them at the same time - if you already have the sixline wrasse, I'd hold it out until you're ready to add the leopards.> 
Sorry for the redundancy in my question I keep getting interrupted at work so I apologize in short will these two species cohabitate peacefully with this large of a tank and available territory? 
<I think so, your system sounds like a good match. But I do feel obligated to point out that these fish are iffy at best... few brought in as pet fish ever last, mostly due to starvation which is a failure to adapt to captivity.>
Thank you,
Sheryl D.
<Cheers, J -- > 

- Mixing Sixline and Leopard Wrasses, Follow-up -
Hello Jason,
Thank you for the fast reply I would like to just ask a few more questions :-) 
<My pleasure and no worries...> 
We would definitely try to add the leopards at the same time or I even thought to hold the sixline for a few days and let the leopard wrasses settle in first. 
<Good plan.> 
We have at least 500lbs of live rock and our friend who is close to stocking his 450g tank will end up with probably over 700lbs of live rock in his tank when he transfers everything over. 
<Egads... will there be any water left?> 
Will this add to the successful keeping of the leopard wrasses? 
<It will certainly be a check in the positive column, but the fish themselves just have a hard time with captivity in general, and many are so stressed from capture, shipping that they just don't make a comeback... something you really can't do anything about.>
Now I have a question about the lineatus wrasse, will they get along with blue assessors? 
<I don't see why not... fairy wrasses in general tend towards the peaceful side of things... same with the assessors.> 
I have a 75g with 2 Banggai cardinals, 2 tiny red head gobies, small red sea Sailfin tang that is moving to the 220g, naughty rusty clown goby (going to a new home) and a cherub angel who will also be going to a new home if he is not compatible I will be adding 4 blue assessors and would like to add a lineatus wrasse but there is not a lot of information on assessors. 
<Not quite as common as many other fish in the trade which is why the information is sparse, but common enough that they don't come with enormous prices. Typically very peaceful fish.> 
The 75g is going to be replaced with either the 220g or a totally new tank that will be at minimum 180 gallons or larger in size. I plan to keep this tank a peaceful community tank and I would like to have a few schools of smaller fish. Will I be able to add more lineatus wrasses later on to have a male and a few females to make up a small harem? 
<I wouldn't do more than a male/female pair, even in a 220.> 
Lastly can I mix blue assessors and yellow assessors? 
<That's an interesting question, and one I'm not so sure about... I'd like to say probably, but I just don't know.>
Thank you!
<Cheers, J -- >

Wrasse Compatibility
Hi Crew,
Hope are doing well, haven't talked to you in a while.  The 210g.  reef has
now been up for a full year, my how time flies.  Doing  well.  Question - Have a
resident yellow Coris wrasse and a lime green Coris,
<This latter is likely a Halichoeres species>
would like to add an
Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres family).
<Not a family, but a genus... for clarification>
  I  know some wrasse families
<Genera>
are very
aggressive and quarrelsome but what little I  have found on the Halichoeres they
are not.
<Agreed>
I need some good professional advice on these wrasses, fellows. Also
is there a good reference  book on the various wrasses.  I have Scott Michaels
and Bob's Marine  Aquarist, looking for more detail, if possible, on the
wrasse. Many thanks Crew  and have a great weekend!
<Look to the recent works by Rudie Kuiter, produced by TMC on the family... Search the name on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble... Bob Fenner>
Ceil Wagaman in PA

Wrasse Compatibility
Fri, 4 Feb 2005
Hi Crew,
Hope you are doing well, haven't talked to you in awhile.  The 210g.  reef has
now been up for a full year, my how time flies.  Doing  well.  Question - Have a
resident yellow Coris wrasse and a lime green  Coris, would like to add an
Ornate Wrasse (Halichoeres family).  I  know some wrasse families are very
aggressive and quarrelsome but what little I  have found on the Halichoeres they
are not.  I need some good  professional advise on these wrasses, fellows. Also
is there a good reference  book on the various wrasses.  I have Scott Michaels
and Bob's Marine  Aquarist, looking for more detail, if possible, on the
wrasse. Many thanks Crew  and have a great weekend! <I'm not a wrasse expert, but I thought I'd send you this link which may help.  I won't delete your query from our marine folder, since someone else may also reply.>  http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/msub28wrasse/l/blprevpickwrass.htm  <James (Salty Dog)>
Ceil Wagaman in PA

Wrasse compatibility
I have a 72 gallon bow front reef tank with a pugnacious six line wrasse.  I have a Halichoeres argus in another tank and would like to add him to the 72 gallon tank, however, I am wondering if the six line and him would get along. < I'd say you will be fine. I don't picture either of them causing any problems. > Another option I have been pondering is to set up a fish only tank with some more aggressive fish - triggers, moray eel, and a puffer.   Would the  Halichoeres argus be able to handle this tank? < Yes, I think so.  Especially if he is 4 inches or longer.  I think that would be fine as well. >  For the more aggressive tank, what type of filtration would you recommend? < Lots of live rock, and a very large healthy refugium. >  
Thank you for your help.
<  Blundell  >

Radiant Wrasse
I originally purchased the wrasse to put into a 40 Gal. SPS tank that has 70+ lbs. of LR. It is bare bottom except for a 1 foot square alcove in the rocks that gradually rises from ½” in the front to Approx. 5” in the back of the alcove. It also has 40 Gal. Refugium upstream and a 20 Gal. sump containing an overkill skimmer. A 1500 gph ( 0 head ) pump returns the water through a Mechanical, carbon, U.V., and heater modules. My question is will the wrasse be compatible with a Swissguard Basslet (L. rubre), and a Scooter Blenny (S. Ocellatus) which spends its nights buried in the sand
(except for eyeballs). I had the intent of using the wrasse to help the scooter blenny control flatworm. I slipped up and didn’t do my usual 4 week coral quarantine because I got some from a friend. I don’t have a lot of flatworm. I think the blenny is doing some damage to them. He doesn’t eat any of the food I feed the tank, not even Mysis. I do see him picking at the rocks and sand all day and he is chunky. It could be all the pods in the tank too. The only other occupant is a Flameback Angel (C. aurantonotus). <I don't see any problem with adding the fish.>
My other option is to put the wrasse into a 40 Gal. Anemone (lots of polyps, mushrooms) set up that is identical to the SPS setup. This includes all equipment, refugium, LR, BB, and 1ft. square sand bed. This tank only has a pair of Solomon Island Perculas. The Chevron tang will also be going into that tank. I guess I could put the wrasse in this tank to keep the pods in check and leave enough for the scooter blenny in the SPS tank. This will insure he is working for his keep as I am not sure how it will do on flatworms. Thanks for all your opinions in this email and all other info you have
shared with me on all FAQ’s, Mahalo, Dennis
<Dennis, I think either option will be viable.  I would like to point out that the QT is too small for those fish.  Even though it is a temporary home.  The wrasse will get along in either tank.  I would probably put the fish in the first tank.  Good luck MikeB>

Wrasses, compatibility with each other?
I typically stay away from putting the same species of fish in my tank,
but am completely in love with wrasses!  I am definitely getting a
Scott's fairy wrasse and would LOVE to put in another type of wrasse.  I
had pretty much decided against it, but now am finding some aquarists
that do have 2 different types of wrasses in their tanks with success.
<Mmm, yes... there are hundreds of species... some genera that are very docile...>
I wanted a filamented flasher wrasse as my second, but that is
impossible, as they aren't compatible with Scott's fairy wrasses.  Are
there any other types of wrasses in general (or flasher wrasses,
specifically) that would be compatible with a Scott's fairy?  Could I do
male for one and female for the other, would that work?
<A good suggestion, but should matter little>
  What about a
carpenter's flasher wrasse, since they are so non-aggressive.  Thanks so
much for your help.  
Carisa
<Ah, the flasher, lined, velvet wrasses can actually be housed together given sufficient room, cover (live rock...) if all otherwise undercrowded. Do keep your tank well-covered as these fishes are notorious for "jumping out". Please read more re these labrids, posted on www.WetWebMedia.com
Bob Fenner>

Adding a wrasse with aggressive tang.
Hello! <Hi Gretchen, MacL here with you tonight>
I just discovered your site and it has been a huge help to me! <Thank you kindly> I apologize if you've already addressed this issue, I read through the FAQ on wrasse compatibility and didn't see my exact situation... I have a 120-gallon marine setup with the following fish:
3 Green Chromis (1" each)
1 Maroon Clown (1")
1 Long-nosed Hawkfish (3")
1 Flame Angel (2")
1 Pearlscale butterflyfish (3")
1 Purple Firefish (3")
1 4-spot yellow Coris (2")
1 Diamond Goby (2")
1 Sailfin Tang (4" with fins extended, 1" body only)
Up until two months ago I also had a beautiful exquisite fairy wrasse that I was particularly fond of.  The wrasse passed away, we think it was because he was pestered unmercifully by the 8-line wrasse that my LFS assured me would be fine as long as we bought them together.  I've since returned the 8-line in exchange for the sailfin tang.  I'd like to get another fairy wrasse but I'm now concerned that the tang won't allow it.
He was pretty obnoxious when I brought the butterflyfish in although the tang had only been in the tank a few days himself. <Similar body shape size, and honestly while your tank is large for what you have in there its not going to be big enough. The wrasse should be a different story because he is a much different shape.>  He's since settled down and stopped harassing the butterflyfish (possibly because the butterfly outsizes him by a bit) but I'm concerned that he would bully a more docile fairy wrasse unceasingly. Is there a way to add a fairy wrasse safely? Would you recommend quarantining the tang for a few weeks? <I recommend quarantining everything before they go into the main tank.>
Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Many thanks
Gretchen

Wrasse compatibility
Hi , I have a 79 gallon reef tank with a Halichoeres ornatissimus in and on  
Saturday I added a Anampses meleagrides and a Coris gaimard << I can't think of a more beautiful sight to see.  But don't tell my wife I said that. >> the ornate wrasse  
has not bothered the Anampses but has not left the Coris alone consequently I
have not seen the Coris for longer than 5 min.s , will the situation get
better  or have I got a major problem on my hands. << There is good news and bad news.  the good news is that many times after a few days the fish realize they are stuck with their tank mates and they work it out.  The bad news is that many times they just pick on a fish until it dies. >> My LFS said that the Coris
would be  ok in tank. << It really is hit and miss.  I think your tank is right on that borderline size where they may or may not have enough room to make a home.  I would say that having lots of live rock would really help the situation.  But for now all you can do is cross your fingers. >> thanks yours Sharon brown
<<  Blundell  >>

Shrimp vs. wrasse 6/30/04
Hello-Question? My sixline wrasse ate most of my cleaner shrimps legs.  This all started right after he molted.
<Shrimps and wrasses are like sheep and wolves.  Also, shrimp are very vulnerable post molt.>
I have him in a net box to keep him out of harms way, but I was wondering-will the shrimps legs grow back?  I been trying to feed him by my hand, which is not working.  So I dunno if I should just keep him till he dies or take him back to the fish store.
<If the shrimp is able to take food, it may grow some of the legs back, but you won't see them until the next molt.  I don't see any benefit to returning it to your LFS.>
Also my firefish, although he is active and eats a lot, looks very malnourished. I feed him formula one frozen food. Is there anything else I can do? I am guessing that my wrasse is a very aggressive fish and my tank may be just too small.
<Firefish really benefit from several feedings per day. They also don't compete well with aggressive feeders like wrasses.  You may have to give one or the other up.  Best Regards.  Adam C.>

Sixline Wrasse Questions (6/2/04)
Hello- <Steve Allen tonight>
I just got a sixline wrasse a few days ago, and I noticed that my Firefishes tail has been pretty well chewed up a bit. I was wondering if the sixline wrasse was going to create a bigger problem for my Firefish? <Sixlines can be rather aggressive at times, and Firefish, being shy, are easy victims.> The strange thing is, I haven't seen them fight each other, they seem to kinda ignore one another, so I don't understand why this happened. <You never know what they're doing the 23 hours per day you're not watching them. You may need to watch for longer periods ad different times of day and in different light conditions to know what's really going on.> Another thing I noticed on my wrasse was one small white dot. could this be ich? <Unlikely if only one spot, but watch or more.> My other fish doesn't have anything on it. The white dot is on the tail and seems to have come loose a little bit, it kinda moves when the wrasse moves-i-s this ich, or something I should be concerned about? <Could be Lymphocystis--read about this on WWM & look at some pictures.> Thanks, Heather <Hope this helps. Steve Allen>

Correcting A Common Mistake 
Well, I committed the sin I'm sure every aquarist is guilty of at some point, and I made an impulsive buy. 
<Ahh.. we've all done THAT before!> 
I was just amazed, because I had finally been to a nice fish store, with what seemed like knowledgeable staff members. I asked them if I could mix one of those beautiful wrasses with my Harlequin tusk, and they said yes, and that a Lunare Wrasse is perfect. So my girlfriend made me buy it. 
<Yep- blame it on her! Heh, heh...> 
Well, after some reading, I discovered that he's not going to go too good with my future and present stock. In my 220gallon, I have a Tusk, juvenile. Maculosus Angel, Flame Hawk, Black Back Butterfly, and am quarantining an Auriga Butterfly, some Chromis, and of course, a Lunare Wrasse in a separate tank. 
<Glad that you quarantine! Good job!> 
The fish store was several hours away, so taking him back there isn't really an option. How bad are my odds that it will wreak havoc on my other stock and make me wish I had never put it in? 
<Well, it's really hard to say. Every fish is quite different, but I'd have to say that, given your population, the odds are that there could be quite a spectacular battle going on in there on a continuous basis-or at least until territories are established. Better safe than sorry...I'd pass on adding him. Lunare can be really feisty.. It could get ugly!> 
I have over 200lbs of live rock, but my Tusk is my favorite fish, I don't want anything messing with him, and if not this wrasse 
is there any other one that would go good with the fish I just mentioned? Thanks 
Brandon 
<Well, Brandon, to be quite honest with you- it sounds like you have a very interesting mix of colorful and active fishes in there. I would avoid adding any more fishes. The ones you have are attractive in their own right, and everyone will be better off in the long run if the population remains as it is. No one has ever been hurt by understocking a system (I would not characterize yours as "understocked", however...It's about maxed out, IMO). Do try to find a fellow hobbyist in your area that would be interested in purchasing the Lunare. In a proper home, it's a star in its own right! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

Wrasse Mixing...
Hi Everyone,
<Hi there! Scott F. with you tonight>
Just a couple of quick questions for you.  I currently have a male Redfin Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubripinnis).  I would like to add a few flasher wrasses (one male & three females).  Will they get along with the other fairy wrasse?
<Well, in my experience, you can mix different species together if the tank is large enough. Not 100% guaranteed, but it can work. The key is plenty of room and groups of males and females to compliment these fishes' haremic lifestyles>
How can you tell the male & female apart in flasher wrasses?
<It varies from species to species. If you are very interested in Wrasses, do pick up a copy of Rudy Kuiter's "Fairy & Rainbow Wrasses And Their Relatives", a great little book with lots of good information and pictures to help you identify species and differentiate their sexes.>
My tank is a 135 gallon reef with about 150 pounds of Fiji rock.  Thanks. Tyler
<With that sized tank, you could probably mix a couple of harems of the smaller species. Do some research, and then do some careful shopping! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

Hogfish sex??...
Good Morning Wise Wet Ones-
<Hey Andy>
I recently got a 4" Cuban Hogfish for my 180 FOWLR, which also includes an
adult Imperator angel,  clown, royal Gramma, hippo tang and 3 small damsels.
After a few days of harassment from the angel, everyone has now settled
down.  In CMA. Bob mentions to keep only one supermale per tank.  I checked
your site and FishBase.org for help, but haven't been able find out how to
tell the difference.  I would like to get another and haven't a clue how to
tell the sexes apart.  Any ideas?  Do you think it would be too crowded if I
added one more?  Thanks!
Andy
<Hard to discern the sexes in hogfish wrasse species... Males are decidedly larger, and do develop something in the way of a nuchal hump on their heads. Best to house just one of a given genus in all but the most humungous of systems (several hundred to thousands of gallons), unless all are small (a few inches)... or (risky) one very much smaller than another. Bob Fenner>

Australian Lineatus Wrasse 3/13/04
Hi All!  Well my flame scallops are doing well. heresy)  I know I'm a blind squirrel. lol  Thanks for the id on the Chisel-tooth wrasse.  Blasted LFS didn't have an id and I couldn't find an id, do you know anyone who'll want it once it gets 12" long? arghh.  I hope it grows slowly. ;]  Maybe by that time we'll have a 400g and a bigger house. lol  They have a Creole wrasse now that just looks beautiful, but its only 2 1/2" long. sigh.
<Congrats on your success with the flame scallops.  Please do realize that success with such animals should be measured in years, not months!  Many inappropriate fish make it into the hobby.  I know a very famous aquarist who has a napoleon wrasse in his reef tank!  These grow to several feet in length!>
I'd like some advice since you guys are such wonderful advice givers...   One of these days I would like to buy what I consider to be the holy grail of wrasses (one of them at least, I adore wrasses!) an Australian Lineatus Wrasse.  But not until we are well established in the 180 which we will be buying sooner than later (I hope!).
<Good plan to hold off until you have a system that will be stable.>
Would you consider this to be a hard to keep fish?  Also, what are the space requirements on a fish like this?  Would I be able to keep a small one in a 33g propagation tank or should I wait for the 180?
<My limited experience is that these fishes (fairy and flasher wrasses in general) are fairly hardy, but not quite so hardy as other wrasses.  I would not suggest keeping it in a 33gal tank.  Why subject an animal that you obviously hold in such high regard to less than ideal conditions?  These fish are moderately susceptible to parasites and as somewhat timid planktivores they often demand live foods (at least for a time).  Aggressive feeders can easily outcompete them for food, especially in the first few days/weeks after introduction.>
Would it be okay to mail order this fish or would it be better to try and order it through a wholesaler (we know several)?
<I always advise against purchasing fish mail order.  If you ask your LFS to order it for you, the will often order more than one, allowing you not only to observe it's health, but to choose.  It is a whole other topic, but there are also a multitude of reasons to support your local stores.>
Will a 180 be big enough, I currently have a Japanese wrasse and a super friendly exquisite wrasse in my 58g and my husband has a yellow coris (why do they call this coris, its sci name is diff?) and the chisel tooth in the 75g.
<Please do consider the typical temperaments of these fish, as well as your observations and consider if you really want to risk them with your "centerpiece" fish.>
Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful day! Your ever-loving fan, Morgan  Bob Fenner ha nihongo wo hanasu?  <Thanks for the kind words!  Best Regards, Adam><<Hi, wakarimas scoshe. RMF>>

- Compatibility -
I was wondering if you think a yellowtail coris wrasse would be ok with a harlequin tusk wrasse; <Yes, these two should be fine.> And if a blue tang would be ok with a achilles or Naso tang? <Hmm... in this mix, one will be dominant. Might be some aggression but if the tank is large enough it should be little trouble.
Cheers, J -- >

Wrasse Compatibility
Hello helpers of fish lovers.
<Hey there! Fellow fish-lover Scott F. here tonight>
I am setting up a 150 gallon FOWLR tank and wanted to make it an
aggressive species tank. I was wondering if it was possible to put a Green Bird Wrasse (or any other Wrasse like a Thalassoma or Halichoeres) with a Harlequin Tusk fish in my tank?
<Possible, yes, but not recommended. Both of these wrasses have somewhat "strong" personalities, and there would be a certain amount of battling at any given time. Also, they both reach impressive sizes, and a 150 would be too small to accommodate both for anything close to a natural life span, IMO.>
I have read a few things about only one Wrasse per tank, but with a 150, is there a way to do 2?
<Well, you could go with multiple Fairy Wrasses, Halichoeres species, Macropharyngodon (Leopard) species, etc. But I would avoid mixing the species that you are contemplating>
Which would be the best combo of these, which would be least likely to work out?
<One or the other, IMO. Start with a small one, and you'll have a beautiful specimen of either in a couple of years>
If possible, which would you introduce first?  Thank you
Brendgol Majewski
<Well, Brendgol- I'd choose the one you like best. Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

What corals to keep with a bird wrasse - 1/29/04
Hello crew,  I have a 230 gallon FOWLR system which I am interested in converting into more of a reef set-up.  What I mean by this is that I would like to keep shrimp, hermit crabs and snails (to clean algae), feather dusters, and easier corals such as colt corals and the like. <Go for it> My problem is I currently have 3 percula clowns, 1 yellow tang, 2 blue devil damsels, 1 majestic angel, 1 emperor angel, 1 green bird wrasse and 1 clown trigger.  I know I would have to get rid of the clown trigger to keep some of the above, how about the green bird wrasse? <Should be fine. We have them at the Monterey Bay aquarium in our Clam and Soft Coral tank. They might snack on your hermits, shrimps, and snails. So might need to look into getting a hand fish. They are great a rasping algae from glass, sand, or acrylic (your hand cleaning the tank with an algae scraper, just in case you didn't get that futile attempt at humor.>  Would the snails and hermit crabs clean the algae? <They would if they weren't in the Bird Wrasse's digestive tract. Heheheh! Be sure to keep up the water quality and scrape away, my friend!> Any other corals you might suggest? <Green star polyps (Pachyclavularia violacea) or some clove polyps (Clavularia or Anthelia) Green or Yellow tree coral (Nephthea sp.) These are similar to what we maintain in our tank with our clowns, bird wrasse and damsels and tangs. Also keep an eye on the Angels, though as they may nip at the soft corals. If they do then you may have to make a decision; add noxious soft corals or get rid of the Angels. Paul>.   Thanks

Sixline With An Attitude!
Hello to all WWM Crew from a rather cold UK!!
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
Just a quick question if you can spare a sec to advise.
<Glad to...>
I purchased a six line wrasse from my LFS about two weeks ago and he was fine, a nice peaceful addition..... Until now.
<Uhh-Ohh...>
The tank consists of a Coral Beauty, shrimp goby and his Tiger pistol shrimp pal and a Firefish in addition to the Wrasse. The tank is 40gallons with Live Rock, a cleanup crew of a few snails and hermits.
<Sounds like a neat mix!>
Up till about Sunday, they were all getting along fine, but now the Wrasse has taken a disliking to the firefish. Whenever the firefish moves he darts at him and chases him. I'm worried that the stress is going to tip the Firefish over the edge!!! My LFS said the Wrasse was a fine addition to the tank and was not bothered about having any territory (so not aggressive), but I'm not so sure?
<Well, I love Sixline Wrasses! They are a lot of fun to watch, are gorgeous, and have great personalities. Unfortunately, you may encounter an individual (like you did!) who takes a disliking to another fish (usually a more docile species) and pesters it relentlessly>
Can you offer any advice to try and curb his aggression? I've tried re-arranging the rock but this doesn't seem to have had any effect. The next course of action is to fish him out and take him back. The only problem is I do like this fish and I'm really happy with the way the tank is looking so it's a shame to have to re-arrange the rock to try and catch him stressing all parties concerned. But the Firefish comes first and he was the first in the tank so please any help on my dilemma would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Martin.
<Well, Martin- it certainly is a difficult dilemma! I'm afraid that I don't have any new and unique secret techniques for this problem! A thought here is that you could add another Sixline, as this could "distract" the resident Sixline. On the other hand, if could prove to be  disaster, particularly for the newcomer. My other tried-and-true solution is to (gulp) re-arrange the rock. Not a fun thing to do, but it often works. On the other hand, if it doesn't- you will have gone to all that trouble, only to have the same problem, and an aquascape that you may not like as much! In the end, removing one of the two parties may be the only ay to restore some sort of peace in the tank. It's your call, so do consider the alternatives carefully! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Pass On The Wrasse?
Dear Scott,
<Hey there!>
Thanx again.  Just wonder, as you didn't mention in your reply, about the 6 line-wrasse.
<Oops- must have been sniffing too much coral glue last night! Sorry..>
Do you think it will be a problem with the hermits and snails??  
<Not to the extent of other wrasses. In fact, Sixlines are good fishes to have if you keep clams, because they are known predators of snails that can bore into clam mantles, causing damage>
Basically, wondered how the wrasse would work out with hermit crabs and snails and if it could get along with a goby as they both seem to like the substrate areas.
<They might prey on smaller snails and hermits, but are usually very peaceful with other fishes. You'll just have to consider the possibilities and decide what works best for you>
If you have time let me know what you think.  If you're too busy I understand.
<Never too busy!>
Actually, I'm not sure how you manage to answer so many emails in one day!  You must be a quick reader or typist!  
<Well, there are about 20 of us crazy fish nerds on call, so we manage just fine! Besides, this is FUN!>
Regards, Greg
<Any time! Take care! Scott F.>
ps If what is a "Sea Swirl"?  (I'm a Sea Swirl man, myself)  If I want the sinusoidal wave thing here could you send to China and could I call to give a VISA number so it's not going out over the internet (not sure yet if I wanna get one now, but just in case).

Sixline Wrasse -A Real Gas!
Hello Scott,
<Hi there!>
Before I buy a 6 line wrasse, I would like to know if my inverts are safe???
<Well, these fish are generally model citizens, and real characters! However, larger ones can occasionally munch on some of the smaller shrimp that we tend to keep in aquaria from time to time. On the whole, I would not be overly-concerned here, with these caveats. Enjoy! Regards, Scott F.>

Wrasse Compatibility
Hello,
<hello>
A friend is breaking down their reef tank and has offered me one each of the following two fairy wrasses. They have been living in a 60-gallon tank together, so I’m not concerned with their compatibility with each other. My question is whether you think the chances are good that these two and a Labroides dimidiatus (Cleaner Wrasse) would co-habit reasonably well in a 170-gallon peaceful community tank. 
1 Female Cirrhilabrus laboutei
<yes>
1 Female Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus
<I think you mean Halichoeres Bathyphilus.  This is not a fairy wrasse. As far as it getting along with your cleaner wrasse I would say no problem in a 170 gallon tank. Ask your friend who will be giving you this fish it was mean to any that were introduced in after him.>
I would love to give these unusual and beautiful fairy wrasses a good home, but Zippy was here first and I want the best for all fish concerned. BTW –Zippy was in a colleague’s tank for 5 years before coming to mine and eats frozen meaty fish food like a champ! I consider myself privileged to own one of these fish!
<good luck MikeH>
Thanks,  Cheri

- Fish Mix -
Hello WetWebMedia.com
I have a reef tank 150 gallons (48Lx24Wx30H) with 200 lbs live rock and 150 lbs live sand.  I have a sump 40g, AquaC EV-180 skimmer with some hard and soft corals.  The tank has two Squareback Anthias (male and female), one Blue Green Reef Chromis, one Azure Damselfish, one Six Line Wrasse and one Powder Blue Tang 5" just bought from local store a week ago.
My question is can I ad these fishes to my tank and these are my final fishes in the tank: two (2) Leopard Wrasse, two (2) Scott's Velvet Wrasse.
<As long as you get male/female pairs, I think you'll be all set - get two males of either one and there will probably be trouble.>
Thanks a lot for your help.
Thien  
<Cheers, J -- >

- Mixing Wrasses -
Hello all at WWM,
I have a female Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus) that follows me from one end of  the tank to the other. My kids like to watch her dive into the sand bed at night after the lights go out. How DO they breathe under ther