Melanarus Wrasse Questions?

[Munns!]

Would a Melanarus wrasse do well in a 4ft tank? How reef safe are they? I have heard that they tend to pick on invertebrates. I’ve recently seen a beautiful mated pair of them. Would a pair be a smart idea or down the road would they both just become male? I assume that on would probably be better but just curious to see if it has been done. One again I have many inverts and ornamental shrimp so I want to ensure that a melanarus wrasse won’t decimate and kill all my CUC. What’s your experience with Melanarus wrasse? Any pics?

 

[edsbeaker]

I have no direct experience with them, but have read about them and they are definitely known for eating snails, hermits, and smaller CUC members. Some people get away with shrimp in the tank, but that is not a guarantee. No idea about having a pair, but a 4’ tank is appropriate for at least one.

 

[fishywishy]

They don’t always go after inverts but since you value them I wouldn’t risk it.

A pair of wrasse usually both turn male eventually and become aggressive to each other. so a pair isn’t a good idea.

 

[Munns!]

bump

 

[Munns!]

Thanks for your input so far!

 

[Munns!]

bump

 

[Munns!]

bump

bump

 

[1112-425XL]

I've had a Male Melanurus wrasse for about 3 years. He's extremely active. Every night he goes under the sand about 15 min before the lights go out and every morning he comes out about 20 min before the lights come on. So he's under the sand for approximately 14 hours. My lights are on 11 am to 9 pm. He's a pro at flipping snails. I don't keep shrimp in the tank he's in, but there are red legged crabs that have avoided him. He eats everything offered including nori.

 

[camdenfoster42]

It's really luck of the draw I have had a male for about a year and he doesn't go after snails crabs or shrimp. I think keeping them well fed keeps them from really messing with anything else.

 

[braaap]

You don’t need to bump your thread 3 times in 3 hours. It’s actually against the rules.

My wrasse doesn’t care about snails. I’ve got a ton of them in the tank including babies and eggs. Doesn’t touch my cleaner shrimp either. The shrimp actually routinely cleans him.

 

[Slocke]

Would a Melanarus wrasse do well in a 4ft tank? How reef safe are they? I have heard that they tend to pick on invertebrates. I’ve recently seen a beautiful mated pair of them. Would a pair be a smart idea or down the road would they both just become male? I assume that on would probably be better but just curious to see if it has been done. One again I have many inverts and ornamental shrimp so I want to ensure that a melanarus wrasse won’t decimate and kill all my CUC. What’s your experience with Melanarus wrasse? Any pics?

Never get a pair of wrasse. Get different species.

As for Halichoeres melanurus it is one of the more aggressive Halichoeres wrasse and thus more difficult to mix with other wrasse.

It will eat small shrimp such as sexy shrimp and smaller peppermint shrimp. Skunk and flame are usually fine.

 

[Munns!]

It's really luck of the draw I have had a male for about a year and he doesn't go after snails crabs or shrimp. I think keeping them well fed keeps them from really messing with anything else.

Never get a pair of wrasse. Get different species.

As for Halichoeres melanurus it is one of the more aggressive Halichoeres wrasse and thus more difficult to mix with other wrasse.

It will eat small shrimp such as sexy shrimp and smaller peppermint shrimp. Skunk and flame are usually fine.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips!

 

[Crabby48]

As mentioned Melanurus don’t pair nor bond and one will kill the other. Also they don’t mix well with other wrasse and can even be mean to other fish in a smaller tank. They do eat smaller shrimp and inverts and can be hard on snails.