Red fin fairy wrasse compatibility?

[vlangel]

Hi folks, I have a red fin fairy wrasse that I just got a week ago for my 56 gallon display. I would love to add a Christmas or a leopard wrasse too as I saw that they can go with other wrasse.
Can this work?

PS This tank has lots of rock, macroalgae and sand.

 

[Crabby48]

Depending what wrasse it is exactly but they can be very aggressive for a fairy wrasse. Of adding a leopard or a Halichoeres wrasse may work but be cautious. Also what slice tank? It looks very small to house wrasse

 

[JoJosReef]

If you are going with a Christmas wrasse, make sure it is a Halichoeres claudia. There are at least two other wrasse species that go by the name Xmas wrasse and they would definitely be inappropriate for your tank. Between the H. claudia and an easier leopard like an M. bipartitis, I'd say a toss up. Your tank is taller and less long, which isn't the best for those wrasses, but could work since those two species are super peaceful. They do like cruising space, though. But a fairy wrasse prefers the same, so if your fairy is working on the tank then I imagine a leopard or Xmas would also be fine.

 

[vlangel]

Depending what wrasse it is exactly but they can be very aggressive for a fairy wrasse. Of adding a leopard or a Halichoeres wrasse may work but be cautious. Also what slice tank? It looks very small to house wrasse

56 gallons

 

[JoJosReef]

56 gallons

Dimensions are what Crabby is referring to, as the length is most important for the wrasses. Leopards like to move but aren't crazy movers like flashers/fairies.

 

[vlangel]

If you are going with a Christmas wrasse, make sure it is a Halichoeres claudia. There are at least two other wrasse species that go by the name Xmas wrasse and they would definitely be inappropriate for your tank. Between the H. claudia and an easier leopard like an M. bipartitis, I'd say a toss up. Your tank is taller and less long, which isn't the best for those wrasses, but could work since those two species are super peaceful. They do like cruising space, though. But a fairy wrasse prefers the same, so if your fairy is working on the tank then I imagine a leopard or Xmas would also be fine.

The fairy wrasse looks very comfortable now that I rehomed a harassing tomini tang. I saw unfortunately after I bought the fairy wrasse that she should have had a bigger tank than mine. She's a small fish so maybe she's a juvenile.

I have had a lot of different fish over the years but never wrasse except a six line decades ago and it was a mean little bugger. Perhaps I should stay away from getting any more wrasse since my tank is only 30" x 18".

 

[vlangel]

Thank you folks for the info, that is very helpful!

 

[JoJosReef]

The fairy wrasse looks very comfortable now that I rehomed a harassing tomini tang. I saw unfortunately after I bought the fairy wrasse that she should have had a bigger tank than mine. She's a small fish so maybe she's a juvenile.

I have had a lot of different fish over the years but never wrasse except a six line decades ago and it was a mean little bugger. Perhaps I should stay away from getting any more wrasse since my tank is only 30" x 18".

I had a pintail fairy and currently have a H. chrysus and M. bipartitis in a 35"x16"x13" tank. I would say it's OK as long as I don't get any bigger fish in there. Currently there are two pink streak wrasses, 1 pencil wrasse, 1 leopard wrasse and 1 Halichoeres wrasse (and a yasha goby). For you 30x18 taller tank, I'd probably be OK with one fairy like a C. rubeus (do you have a picture of yours?) and either a leopard or a Halichoeres.

 

[Crabby48]

Dimensions are what Crabby is referring to, as the length is most important for the wrasses. Leopards like to move but aren't crazy movers like flashers/fairies.

Correct that is a big part. Also for fairy’s and definitely flasher height also. Depth helps but need the parts you hit first.

The fairy wrasse looks very comfortable now that I rehomed a harassing tomini tang. I saw unfortunately after I bought the fairy wrasse that she should have had a bigger tank than mine. She's a small fish so maybe she's a juvenile.

I have had a lot of different fish over the years but never wrasse except a six line decades ago and it was a mean little bugger. Perhaps I should stay away from getting any more wrasse since my tank is only 30" x 18".

I’ll be honest all fairy’s, leopards and most other wrasse need more room. That said I have kept them in smaller tanks when tiny and small but then move them. To mix wrasse in your tank will be hard and your wrasse may not allow others. Be ready to catch basically and re’home. I think a small leopard is a better choice for your tank.
I been keeping a tiny leopard in a 20. She was barely an inch when I got her. Once she grows I’ll sell her.

 

[vlangel]

Correct that is a big part. Also for fairy’s and definitely flasher height also. Depth helps but need the parts you hit first.


I’ll be honest all fairy’s, leopards and most other wrasse need more room. That said I have kept them in smaller tanks when tiny and small but then move them. To mix wrasse in your tank will be hard and your wrasse may not allow others. Be ready to catch basically and re’home. I think a small leopard is a better choice for your tank.
I been keeping a tiny leopard in a 20. She was barely an inch when I got her. Once she grows I’ll sell her.

Yes, my red fin fairy wrasse is only about an inch. I was looking for a leopard or Christmas but the lfs only had this little fairy wrasse which is why I chose her. I did not realize til I got home that she should have a 90 gallon. Because of her shape I could probably catch her in a bottle trap when the time comes.

 

[Crabby48]

Yes, my red fin fairy wrasse is only about an inch. I was looking for a leopard or Christmas but the lfs only had this little fairy wrasse which is why I chose her. I did not realize til I got home that she should have a 90 gallon. Because of her shape I could probably catch her in a bottle trap when the time comes.

I would not get the Christmas in your shoes. If you can get a tiny/ small healthy leopard or a H. radiant or H. chrysus.
They all will get to big but for now they would be my choices. A pink streak is a perfect wrasse for your tank technology but i will not be wrasse police

In the end it comes down to the wrasse and how happy he is or if he gets bored

 

[JoJosReef]

Yes, my red fin fairy wrasse is only about an inch. I was looking for a leopard or Christmas but the lfs only had this little fairy wrasse which is why I chose her. I did not realize til I got home that she should have a 90 gallon. Because of her shape I could probably catch her in a bottle trap when the time comes.

Just realized you're talking about a C. rubripinnis, not C. rubeus. Yes, that's generally meant to be in a larger tank, like a 4ft+. A fairy like C. isosceles (pintail) or C. brunneus (dusky fairy) in my tanks weren't all that zoomy and seemed to be OK in the 35" long. A C. rubeus might work, but would be pushing it.

 

[JoJosReef]

A pair of pink streaks is awesome in a peaceful tank. Love 'em! Here are my five during baby brine shrimp feeding time:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxREuyXi9ZyuaUtP7