Smaller reef-safe alternative to Halichoeres melanurus?

[Larry L]

Hi -

I've been considering getting a wrasse, especially now that I've noticed some planaria hanging around... A friend recommended a melanurus wrasse, but I had concerns that 1) some places list it as not being reef-safe (or questionably reef-safe), and 2) I think it might get kinda big for my tank (70 gal, 36 inches wide).

Are there any other wrasses that are relatively reef-safe, might go after planaria, and are smaller than a melanurus?


Thanks!
Larry

 

[Maritimer]

Take a look at Halichoeres biocellatus, the red-lined wrasse - very similar, but not as big.

Leopards have a bit of a reputation for being poor shippers, but might serve your purpose as well.

If you want _really_ tiny, take a look at the possum wrasses of the genus Wetmorella.

I hesitate to recommend the lined wrasses (six-line, four-line, eight-line), as they have a reputation for aggression.

My target mandarin is _murder_ on red planaria!

~Bruce

 

[ca1ore]

Dusky is more reef save than Hoeven's, though it doesn't meet your requirement of smaller.

 

[Salty1962]

Yellow Wrasse

 

[becks]

Chrysus are fantastic

 

[eatbreakfast]

The recommended wrasses, H. biocellatus and chrysus are great choices.

Pink streak and Wetmorellas would also be good choice.

 

[Larry L]

Thanks for all the recommendations!

 

[Larry L]

@eatbreakfast: Do you think a Wetmorella would eat planaria? I have been looking around and seeing people saying they have one but have never seen it eat a flatworm.

 

[evolved]

@eatbreakfast: Do you think a Wetmorella would eat planaria? I have been looking around and seeing people saying they have one but have never seen it eat a flatworm.

Only the small planaria; their mouths are too small to eat large planaria.