Making waves and turning heads: Do you have a favorite type of wrasse?

[Peace River]

Making waves and turning heads: Do you have a favorite type of wrasse?

In addition to being great utility fish, wrasses can be absolutely stunning! Additionally, wrasses are popular throughout the hobby and can be readily found by many online fish sellers and local fish stores (LFSs). I saw an exquisite wrasse in a LFS this past week that stopped by in my tracks and had me mesmerized while I closely observed the wonderful markings! The variations of markings, body shapes, and tail shapes of different types of wrasses is fascinating and even the different markings within a specific wrasse species allows for some visually striking fish! Whether it is for their utility in your tank or for their beauty, do you have a favorite type of wrasse? If so, please let us know what kind, and if possible, please share pictures in the related R2R thread!

Photo by Lemon Tyk from Facebook; Paracheilinus hemitaeniatus, the Madagascan half-striped flasher wrasse


This QOTD is sponsored by: www.tckcorals.com

 

[Dburr1014]

I am currently looking at different wrasse species to come up with a stocking plan. If I can get 2 pair or 4 different ones, I will be happy.

 

[LandLockedJones]

I love the earmuff wrasse the most, though some of the others are gorgeous as well.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Only had a six line. They don’t last long in my tanks for some reason. So, no more wrasses for me.

 

[jkcoral]

There are too many cool, beautiful wrasses to pick just one. Of the wrasses I currently own, my Golden Rhomboid is my crown jewel. I love it. I adore my tiny guys, too. My pink streaks and possum are also among my favorites.

 

[waterskiguy]

Does all Cirrhilabrus count? lol If I were to choose one, I'd say Cirrhilabrus Jordani - Hawaiian Flame fairy wrasse. My favorite that anyone can actually get ahold of right now is probably Cirrhilabrus Lineatus _ Lineatus Fairy wrasse. Both are stunning fish with desirable traits and personalities

 

[Slocke]

Nah wrasse are kind of boring…

 

[SaltyT]

Halichoeres - here are a few of my favorites

H. melasmapomus aka earmuff wrasse (my photo)

H. leucurus aka grey head wrasse (not my photo)

H. rubricephalus aka red head wrasse (not my photo)

 

[CO2TLEY]

Banana Wrasse

 

[steveschuerger]

I like em all.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Nah wrasse are kind of boring…

Ya, kinda like winning Mega millions for you

 

[TehBrainz]

I've had a coris wrasse which I liked for the vibrant color moving through the tank, but my current favorite is my blue sided wrasse

 

[JoJosReef]

Nah wrasse are kind of boring…

You sound like the kind of guy that would like a yellow coris wrasse

 

[MoshJosh]

6-line for me. . . beautiful fish that is easy to come by and it eats undesirable critters. . . can't go wrong with a classic!!!

 

[Sharkbait19]

Haven’t really had the chance to experience them.
I had a 6 line that died in qt, and both of my attempts at halichoeres wrasses didn’t make it long (DOA for first and uronema for second).
I do love the looks of the halichoeres and might wind up trying again…

Bird wrasse are also really cool looking.

 

[JoJosReef]

So far my favorites are:
1. Macropharyngodon (leopards)
I have a bipartitis and she is lovely

2. Pseudocheilinops ataenia (pink streak wrasse)
Cutest of the cute

3. Halichoeres (salt pigs)
There are many I like in this genus. Would love an H. iridis. I currently have an H. chrysus who is a bit skittish but a lovely fish and good eater

4. Cirrhilabrus (fairy wrasses)
I should love this genus more, but I'm just getting started with them with my first fairy, a C. brunneus. A C. rubeus currently in QT. P. jordani would be the dream.

He's hard to photo.

5. Psuedojuloides (pencil wrasses)
I don't have one and won't for a long time, but this is one of my wrasse goals. Would love a P. kaleidos!

6. Paracheilinus (flasher wrasses)
I should like this genus more, but I don't have an adequate tank for flashers. Probably would be happy with any of them.

7. Wetmorella (possum wrasses)
Debated getting one, but I think I like watching other's possums instead (@jkcoral )

8. Anampses (tamarin wrasses)
Need a bigger tank. Would love one, though.

9. Coris
Need a bigger tank. Would like a Coris gaimard.

10. Labroides (cleaner wrasses)
I'd be stressed out about their health all of the time.

11. Cheilinus undulatus
Still looking for a good one. I'm sure I'll find one soon.

 

[jpmazzone]

I love the six-line wrasse but they are PITA.

 

[JayM]

I don't have a favorite, but I'm in the market for a couple. I'm just having a heck of a time figuring what types are reef safe, will get along with each other (and everyone else) and doesn't cost north of $100 each.

 

[Slocke]

Fine fine. A real answer.

Favorite type of wrasse. Well I have 11 genera and 16 wrasse which is a lot of wrasse and I guess 11 different types.
Alphabetically:

Anampses (tamarin) wrasse are definitely among the most beautiful wrasse but unfortunately are too difficult for the average reefer. Here’s my Gemma who is like a gem tang but more vibrant, doesn’t have that ugly face, and is peaceful. So just better then a gem tang:

Bodianus (hogfish) are a great fish for a bigger tank. Though they are often overlooked for their close cousin the harlequin tusk fish they offer far more variety. Here is my lyretail, B anthioides:

Cirrhilabrus (fairy) are another awesome genus since there are so many and are generally a lot easier and have great personalities. Here’s my favorite C Rubeus!

Coris wrasse are too big but they are probably my favorite in terms of looks. They have the most incredible patterns! Mine is still quite young though.

Halichoeres or salt pig wrasse are probably the best starting wrasse. Generally tough but also usually peaceful. They also have a ton of variety. Here are two of my four. H iridis and H marginatus

Labroides are cleaner wrasse and are not a great fish unless you get them captive bred. They are probably the smartest fish in the world and have awesome personalities. Mine is a tiny baby!

Macropharyngodon! Though leopard wrasse are difficult they are also the cutest and most sparkly!

Paracheilinus aka flasher wrasse are one of those fish that start off bland but can become the prettiest! Here’s my little P cyaneus.

Psuedocheilinops. What is Pseudochilinus didn’t like to kill other fish? Good thing there’s this little not-monster!

Novaculilichthys. Dragon wrasse are evil. But they are like Heath Ledger joker evil. Really really fun to watch!!

Thalassoma. What are you crazy?! They kill everything even urchins and starfish. Only a fool would get a Thalassoma. Here’s mine, T lunare…

 

[Slocke]

I don't have a favorite, but I'm in the market for a couple. I'm just having a heck of a time figuring what types are reef safe, will get along with each other (and everyone else) and doesn't cost north of $100 each.

The Wrasse Guy - All About Reef Safe Wrasses

Introduction Below, you will find sections about: these guidelines, wrasses which qualify as reef safe, the general requirements, feeding, shipping, quarantine, adding new wrasses to your system, mixing species and genera, the acclimation box, protogynous hermaphroditism & sexual dichromatism,

www.thewrasseguy.com