The Wrasse Lover's Thread!

Cael Gallery

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I've kept Bodianus axillaris with Bodianus rufus before. No issues. Also kept Bodianus bimaculatus with Bodianus sepicaudus without issue.

IMO any larger species of wrasse will be more likely to fight, but if they're juveniles, it should be much easier to do so. I recently added a Cheilinus chlorourus to my 240 with an existing Cheilinus fasciatus, and after a bit of posturing for 48 hrs, the 2 completely ignore one another. If you're going to do it, do it in a large tank, feed heavily before introduction, and try to add multiple other fish at once to help as distractions. Have a game plan ready to separate if needed. Dividing the tank in half with eggcrate to help them get used to one another also helps if they initially don't get along.

I'd still like to add a Bodianus or 2 (B. rufus and B. axillaris or B. mesothorax) in my 240, along with a couple other big boy wrasses. I currently have Thalassoma hardwicke, Cheilinus fasciatus, and Cheilinus chlorourus in there. I'd also love to add Cheilinus lunulatus (miss my old one and haven't found one within my budget), Coris gaimardi, Halichoeres bivittatus (to replace my old one), Gomphosus varius, and possibly another Thalassoma (perhaps amblycephalum, lutescens, or bifasciatum? Definitely avoiding the lunare after my last couple experiences with them). Also tempted to try a larger male Halichoeres melanurus in here, since I'm pretty sure the Halichoeres cosmetus and Halichoeres marginatus in my 100 gallon would kill one if I added it.
Thanks. Your talk about C.chlorourus is making me sad, i lost mine today. I do like axillaris, maybe i'll go with one of those. Not sure if you've seen earlier in this thread, but i'm adding like 8+ wrasses in one week, and the hogfish will join them if i decide to go ahead with that. My tank is 180 display and im setting up a refugium soon so can definitely feed heavily. I'm also getting an amblycephalum, male melanurus and gaimard so i can let you know how those go with the introductions if you were debating doing it on your tank. Would love to see photos of your chlorourus.
 

jkcoral

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Sharing some pink streak love. Please excuse the dirty glass.

IMG_7782.jpeg

IMG_7800.jpeg
 

Vinaka_vakalevu

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Any one see any problems with adding a Halichoeres to my 80 gal?

Current stocking :

Twin sport bristle tooth
CBB
Yellow banded possum
C. exquisitus
Royal gramma
Red fire fish
 

Slocke

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Any one see any problems with adding a Halichoeres to my 80 gal?

Current stocking :

Twin sport bristle tooth
CBB
Yellow banded possum
C. exquisitus
Royal gramma
Red fire fish
Nope. SO long as its not one of the big ones
 

Slocke

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Thanks, could I go leopard instead of halichoeres? What do you think is better Halichoeres or Macropharyngodon for pest control?
Equal. Leopard eats slightly smaller but not much different.
 

JoJosReef

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Thanks, could I go leopard instead of halichoeres? What do you think is better Halichoeres or Macropharyngodon for pest control?
I like the leopard for personality. My yellow Halichoeres is also a great fish but nothing like the Macropharyngodon bipartitis. She's, just the best fish.
 

Vinaka_vakalevu

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I like the leopard for personality. My yellow Halichoeres is also a great fish but nothing like the Macropharyngodon bipartitis. She's, just the best fish.
Just talked to my LFS they have a couple Bipartitis in stock. Will be heading that way in a little bit.
 

JoJosReef

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Just talked to my LFS they have a couple Bipartitis in stock. Will be heading that way in a little bit.
Young female is the way to go! They get big quick, and the females look better than the males!
 

Tcook

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Thanks, could I go leopard instead of halichoeres? What do you think is better Halichoeres or Macropharyngodon for pest control?
I would go leopard. They grow more slowly than the pigs IME. I’m not sure if there are any small Halichoeres. My babi is now a sardine.
 

Cael Gallery

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Max size is 6”. That’s a tiny Coris
I have one of those arriving tomorrow too. If you were actually getting a C.picta, i'd be mad. An Australian endemic that isn't even available here but someone in the US bought one? Well it happens. eastern hulafish are available CB over there and never available here.
 

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