kkgaskin90
Well-Known Member
I think I've solved the mystery of the disappearing snails. Anything I can do, or once a snail-killer, always a snail killer? I just fed him and he's turning them over and cleaning the shell out.
Bluehead Wrasse eating Snails
- Thread starter kkgaskin90
- Start date
- Tagged users None
TarHeelReefer22
Active Member
I spent last summer working with a very large tank full of Thalassoma bifasciatum aka bluehead wrasse and they are voracious eaters and not reef safe for a reason. In my experience with them in captivity as well as countless dives where I have observed their behavior in the wild, they will eat and attack any gastropod or mollusk that is out for easy pickings. I am assuming you have him in a fish only tank and this is a species that makes it hard to keep a clean tank and will most likely forever be a clean up crew murderer. Good Luck!
OP
OP
kkgaskin90
Well-Known Member
Well shoot. It was a FOWLR. We are breaking down our 29g reef and just last night got proper lights for the 75g to be a reef. He hasn't touched the corals but the snails... I feel like a jerk. Any recommendations for a reef safe wrasse? Maybe one that's not so popular?
evolved
[email protected]
Excellence Award
Reef Tank 365
Expert Contributor
Article Contributor
Moderator Emeritus
AZ FRAG Member
Hospitality Award
My Tank Thread
Thalassoma wrasses eat motile inverts; it's just what they do.
If you are looking for a completely reef safe wrasse, flasher and fairy wrasses are it. Other Genera may be mostly reef safe, but can be risky with motile inverts. Although Macropharyngodon and Pseudojuloides are on the safer side, but can be considered challenging species.
OP
OP
kkgaskin90
Well-Known Member
Thank you! Catching the bugger is proving to be quite an issue. He will not go in my homemade fish traps :/
Similar threads
