Can I mix wrasses?

[AydenLincoln]

I have a 75-gallon with a male melanurus wrasse and I would like to get another wrasse. Can I get a female of a different species? Recommendations or ones that would be compatible? I assume another male no matter the species probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

 

[Troylee]

@i cant think @Petcrazyson @SaltyT

 

[BriansBrain]

Most wrasses will turn male regardless if you add them as a juvenile/female. I would stay away from other wrasses that bury in the sand especially of the Halichoeres genus. Depends on the individual wrasse, but my melanarus was a jerk to other wrasses. You could try a fairy wrasse. Here’s a helpful fairy wrasse chart

 

[nkyreef]

Usually no issues mixing wrasses. I have about fifteen in my 100 gallon. If you want to stay extra safe maybe avoid other Halichoeres, especially a lunar. You still have a large enough tank that I wouldn't think you would have problems. I'd check out the fairy wrasses - so many options out there.

 

[Slocke]

I have a 75-gallon with a male melanurus wrasse and I would like to get another wrasse. Can I get a female of a different species? Recommendations or ones that would be compatible? I assume another male no matter the species probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

Actually a male of a different genus will probably work!
There are a few great genera of wrasse that get along great. I actually have 10 wrasse of 7 genera in my 110.
The ones I suggest are: fairies, flashers, pigs or halichoeres like the Melanurus, leopards, or the pink streak for your tank size.
Some of my favorites are:
The exquisite fairy
Rhomboid fairy
Lubbocks fiary
Naoko fairy
Blue flasher
Margined
Radiant
Yellow (coris)
Blue star leopard
Common leopard
Ornate leopard
Black leopard

 

[Slocke]

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/all-about-reef-safe-wrasses-in-aquaria.28/
Here’s a great article

 

[AydenLincoln]

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/all-about-reef-safe-wrasses-in-aquaria.28/
Here’s a great article

This is great to know! Thanks!

 

[AydenLincoln]

Most wrasses will turn male regardless if you add them as a juvenile/female. I would stay away from other wrasses that bury in the sand especially of the Halichoeres genus. Depends on the individual wrasse, but my melanarus was a jerk to other wrasses. You could try a fairy wrasse. Here’s a helpful fairy wrasse chart

Thank you!

 

[KrisReef]

Lots of great information so far. I hate to say it, but it looks like you've got your wrasse covered now!

:face-with-hand-over-mouth:

Let us know what you get and how it works out.

Follow up question for the board,

Would a Harlequin tusk work with the melanurus? I'm fond of the H. tusk :cool:

 

[steveschuerger]

I have a Melanurus and Red Velvet fairy in my 60 . They’re fine with each other.

 

[steveschuerger]

I have a Melanurus and Red Velvet fairy in my 60 . They’re fine with each other.

And a Black Leopard juvie until an anemone(Joker) ate it. Nem is out of the tank. Would love to get another leopard.