Are Sixline Wrasses the Devil incarnate?

[Punchanello]

I have a bare-bottom tank and wanted a wrasse for pest-control. Without sand my only option seems to be a sixline wrasse. Most of what I have read seems to indicate I would regret it because they are aggressive bullies. What are your experiences with them?

I have a 130 gallon 4x2x2 tank. Currently only have one other wrasse (Possum wrasse). Other than that I have 5 Tangs, 4 chromis, 2 clowns and a copperband.

 

[Opus]

Yes they are. My wife said we will never have another one in our tank.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

I have a bare-bottom tank and wanted a wrasse for pest-control. Without sand my only option seems to be a sixline wrasse. Most of what I have read seems to indicate I would regret it because they are aggressive bullies. What are your experiences with them?

What about the pink streaked wrasse? I've read they are really peaceful compared to the 6 line.

 

[welsher7]

They can be a PIA but a lot of it has to do with tank size and what other stock you have in the tank.

 

[Frey]

I have had a 6 line for at least 5 years and it hasnt bothered anything in my tank other than the pods. It eats every pod that comes out when the lights are on.

 

[Fowler freak]

That’s insane because the one I had was a total jerk and will never buy one again

 

[fishguy242]

i have had alot of them over the years 50/50 some are jerks and some are great ,currently have a pair in my 240 bigger and smaller one 5+yrs big 2 on smaller play together both are peaceful

 

[Frey]

I have read over and over they are. Guess i got the one that isn't a jerk. When i got it, it was pretty small and i added it as probably the middle fish in my stockings. Its in a 180.

 

[Infidel]

I had one in a 28g and then a 360g a while back and he never bothered anything.

 

[Jesterrace]

If you have a frag tank and just want 1 fish for pest removal services then the 6 line is a great choice. If you want one in a community tank it is a BIG gamble and they can be an absolute pain to remove if need be. For a community tank a Pink Streaked would be a much better choice.

 

[Punchanello]

What about the pink streaked wrasse? I've read they are really peaceful compared to the 6 line.

Will they go after pests?

 

[mort]

Will they go after pests?

Pink streaks are essentially the angelic version of a sixline. They will pick at pests but don't have the jekyll and hyde personality. It is even possible to keep them in pairs.

 

[GlassMunky]

I have a bare-bottom tank and wanted a wrasse for pest-control. Without sand my only option seems to be a sixline wrasse. Most of what I have read seems to indicate I would regret it because they are aggressive bullies. What are your experiences with them?

I have a 130 gallon 4x2x2 tank. Currently only have one other wrasse (Possum wrasse). Other than that I have 5 Tangs, 4 chromis, 2 clowns and a copperband.

DO NIT MIX a possum and a 6-line.
One will end up dead, most likely the possum.

 

[GlassMunky]

Pink streaks are essentially the angelic version of a sixline. They will pick at pests but don't have the jekyll and hyde personality. It is even possible to keep them in pairs.

I had a pink streak for a couple years, they are amazing little guys and so nice!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Have in in each tank and no issues, peaceful, hardy and great color

 

[jeffchapok]

Mine is a perfect gentleman, doesn't bother anyone.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

IME sixline wrasses are usually bullies

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Day one of my 6 line he attacked my other fish when the tank was fed. But after a couple days he mellowed out and has been a model citizen

 

[Bacon505]

im planning to add some wrasse to for pest and flatworm. any recommendation? please provide pix if possible so i know what they look like. in hopeful for 2-3 wrasses

 

[NanoSteam]

wow i'm surprised by the responses. I had one in my 40B reef for 3 years. It never even looked at a single invert/hermit/coral or fish once. Just zoomed all over the tank picking at pods and critters on the rocks and glass all day.