Can different species of wrasse become mated pairs?

[Lllrrr232]

I understand that wrasses often breed in captivity, but are unlikely to produce offspring. While this might be a dumb question, I wondered if it might be possible for two wrasse of a different species to become a mated pair. I'm not interested in whether they are likely to produce or attempt to produce offspring, as that likely wouldnt work anyways, but I have a 6 line and a leapard who are always together. They don't fight, but they never leave each others side. I was wondering if they might have become a mated pair or if there might be some answer as to what this behavior is?

 

[Impala67]

It is very possible if the conditions are right.

 

[Baldguy]

Those two will never be a mated pair. Buddies yes mated no.

 

[Impala67]

Those two will never be a mated pair. Buddies yes mated no.

I have seen some cases where they become a mated pair it’s not impossible

 

[KevPool]

 

[JumboShrimp]

Even if they just stay ‘best friends’ — still very cool!

 

[Rubberfrog]

Those two will never be a mated pair. Buddies yes mated no.

Best friends with benefits

 

[nereefpat]

I have seen some cases where they become a mated pair it’s not impossible

A 6 line wrasse and a leopard wrasse? Not a chance. Those a not near closely enough related.

 

[Tamberav]

Have seen a post of a 6 line and 4 line but not likely possible with a leopard.

 

[Impala67]

A 6 line wrasse and a leopard wrasse? Not a chance. Those a not near closely enough related.

It’s true I’m not saying the will have kids but they definitely will be able to be a mated pair

 

[nereefpat]

It’s true I’m not saying the will have kids but they definitely will be able to be a mated pair

What wrasses in different genera have you seen mate?

 

[Tamberav]

Ya I know if no wrasses in different genera actually releasing eggs and mating. Never seen a video or heard of it. Swimming around together is not spawning.

A mated pair will get active at dusk and dart together quickly with their bodies pressed together… the female will release eggs and the male will broadcast fertilize them.

I saw one of a sixline and 4 line from million years ago on reef central.

Keep in mind that some fish swimming together is just one sizing up the other. I have seen this mistake when people say.. my Coral Beauty and Flame Angel are best friends! Not saying this is happening but not every friendly appearing interaction really is.

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Drop some alcohol in there. You’ll be surprised what a drunk guy will sleep with.

 

[SaltyT]

Keep in mind that some fish swimming together is just one sizing up the other. I have seen this mistake when people say.. my Coral Beauty and Flame Angel are best friends! Not saying this is happening but not every friendly appearing interaction really is.

Completely agree. Unless the OP’s tank is pretty large it’s likely just a matter of time before the six-line turns on the leopard.

 

[Rubberfrog]

I suspect OP was meaning something more along the lines of swimming together, and less about actual spawning.

 

[Lllrrr232]

I suspect OP was meaning something more along the lines of swimming together, and less about actual spawning.

Exactly, i know they can't spawn, but some animals form connections despite that so i was wondering if it was possible they just really enjoyed each others company or something!

Completely agree. Unless the OP’s tank is pretty large it’s likely just a matter of time before the six-line turns on the leopard.

And my tank is a 75 gallon and they've never fought before, but i will keep an eye out either way.