Fish Store Sold me a Cleaner Wrasse

[AustinW78]

Hello everyone unfortunately the fish store I went to has sold me a cleaner wrasse for my 40 gallon breeder tank. I trusted the owner with that decision and did not do the research prior to purchasing and bringing it home. I am now learning how difficult they are to care for and I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck with them in that size tank. It has eaten a couple of the pieces of mysis shrimp from this afternoons feeding and it is the first day its been in there so I am hoping it will continue to eat regularly.
Any advice is welcome, thank you in advance.

 

[JGT]

Hello everyone unfortunately the fish store I went to has sold me a cleaner wrasse for my 40 gallon breeder tank. I trusted the owner with that decision and did not do the research prior to purchasing and bringing it home. I am now learning how difficult they are to care for and I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck with them in that size tank. It has eaten a couple of the pieces of mysis shrimp from this afternoons feeding and it is the first day its been in there so I am hoping it will continue to eat regularly.
Any advice is welcome, thank you in advance.

Like a lot of fish, depends on the specific one you get. I have one and have had it for some time and he’s one of my faves. Sets up his cleaning station and all the fish line up and wait their turn. BUT, he is also a pig when it comes to to eating. Will eat frozen, flakes, you name it. That’s the key. They need to want to eat regular food in addition to the cleaning if they are to survive.

 

[AustinW78]

Hello everyone unfortunately the fish store I went to has sold me a cleaner wrasse for my 40 gallon breeder tank. I trusted the owner with that decision and did not do the research prior to purchasing and bringing it home. I am now learning how difficult they are to care for and I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck with them in that size tank. It has eaten a couple of the pieces of mysis shrimp from this afternoons feeding and it is the first day its been in there so I am hoping it will continue to eat regularly.
Any advice is welcome, thank you in advance.

Like a lot of fish, depends on the specific one you get. I have one and have had it for some time and he’s one of my faves. Sets up his cleaning station and all the fish line up and wait their turn. BUT, he is also a pig when it comes to to eating. Will eat frozen, flakes, you name it. That’s the key. They need to want to eat regular food in addition to the cleaning if they are to survive.

So far that is most of what I have read is that it is somewhat of a cointoss depending on the specific fish. I have a pair of Bengaii Cardinals, a pair of young clowns, and a Black & Yellow Blenny so I know it won't be doing much cleaning off of the fish. I plan to add vitamins + garlic-guard then feed small amounts throughout the day.

 

[JGT]

Yeah, it can be a crap shoot. GL!

 

[JumboShrimp]

Just as general advice, even while standing there at your LFS, don't hesitate to pull out your phone and do some final research on the internet to 'fact check' the sales person.

 

[AustinW78]

Just as general advice, even while standing there at your LFS, don't hesitate to pull out your phone and do some final research on the internet to 'fact check' the sales person.

Trust me, I am firmly planted on the google everything side of things now. I am disappointed in how quickly something like that is titled as "easy fish"

 

[exnisstech]

I don't have a lot of experience but I find they do best in larger tanks with a lot of fish like tangs to clean. They are very active fish, pretty much non stop swimmers except at night which makes me think multiple daily feedings is good. Mine doesn't set up a cleaning station but instead swims around looking for any fish that will let it clean. Its a pig and will compete with any fish in the tank for food. I hate to be negative but after observing mine for the last year + I don't think its a fish that would do well in a 40b . But as mentioned each fish is individual so hopefully yours will thrive.
Often lfs recommend stuff just to make a sale often its an employee that just doesn't know which isn't good either.

Mine still fat after 14 months but it's in a 330 with 9 tangs and he pesters them all.

 

[AustinW78]

I don't have a lot of experience but I find they do best in larger tanks with a lot of fish like tangs to clean. They are very active fish, pretty much non stop swimmers except at night which makes me think multiple daily feedings is good. Mine doesn't set up a cleaning station but instead swims around looking for any fish that will let it clean. Its a pig and will compete with any fish in the tank for food. I hate to be negative but after observing mine for the last year + I don't think its a fish that would do well in a 40b . But as mentioned each fish is individual so hopefully yours will thrive.
Often lfs recommend stuff just to make a sale often its an employee that just doesn't know which isn't good either.

Mine still fat after 14 months but it's in a 330 with 9 tangs and he pesters them all.

I unfortunately agree completely with you. I am probably going to speak with the store since it is local and see if she would agree to a swap for something more suitable for my tank. If not then I will do my best to keep it comfortable. Definitely a hard lession learned!

 

[exnisstech]

It would be good on them to let you trade it. I would try to speak with a manger or owner if possible. Even if they give you credit if they don't have anything right now would be good. It really is nice having a LFS to do biz with.

 

[Largeangels]

I love my cleaner wrasses. I've said this before but if I based it ONLY on my years of having them and observing them they seem to be a fish that actively searches for small particles of food in the water column and occasionally clean as a survival tactic and some extra food. They will also pick at rocks and the glass. Mine actively attack any small floating piece of food. Pellets, flakes, mysis etc. One of their favorite seems to be 500-800 micron sized golden pearls. When I feed larger pellets I always throw in some Golden pearls just for the cleaner wrasse as they don't go for larger pellets. Mine don't bother my fish, but I feed the tanks constantly so I don't think they go hungry.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

If you’re your is LFS reputable THEY SHOULD GIVE YOU A FULL CREDIT.. either he did not know how difficult these fish can potentially be, or he didn’t know what he was selling. (I’m not sure which is worse .)

My local Fish store won’t even sell them. He only buys them to clean fish waiting to be sold.

Show them your research I bet you’re successful in getting a credit..

 

[exnisstech]

My local Fish store won’t even sell them. He only buys them to clean fish waiting to be sold.

This is the same as my LFS that services tanks as well as having the store.
It's about putting the animals well being before profits which I'm sure can be difficult as a small business owner.