The Wrasse Lover's Thread!

[AZReef13]

How does she do in the larger tank (is she in the 3' or 4') tank with the other wrasses? I've been contemplating moving mine to the 120.

I have 2 in my Red Sea 425xl, with no issues, with 5 other wrasses, Blue tang, Assessor, Mandarin and couple of damsels, They eat well during feeding times, They like to play tricks on me, with only one showing up at a time....... Then the pair up.

 

[ReeferPacMan]

Loving my Pintail fairy wrasse under the blue light

 

[Sink_or_Swim]

He was already a fully developed male when you got him so he’s probably over 2 years but beyond that is just a guess. He looks like he’s in his prime so I’m sure you’ll be able to enjoy him for many years.

That's great to hear, thank you for the help!

 

[Sink_or_Swim]

From males, usually their lifespan is 4-5 years in captivity however this is more often for the Paracheilinus and Cirrhilabrus genera. Halichoeres wrasses can live for 10+ years IME, the melanurus is a larger species so it wouldn’t surprise me if they can get to that 7-10 year range.

As yours is already male (and looked to be a mature male when you got him), I would agree with Salty in him being Atleast 2 years so I would say you’ll have around 6-8 years with him.

Very good to know, thank you for your help! I'm hoping to be able to give him a long, healthy life.

 

[Petcrazyson]

It’s always watching.

Lol and it’s not just the wrasse you’ve got a goby locking its eyes on you lol.

 

[Sink_or_Swim]

Lol and it’s not just the wrasse you’ve got a goby locking its eyes on you lol.

Omg it took me a good minute to find the goby! Lol!

 

[Tcook]

Loving my Pintail fairy wrasse under the blue light

Nice specimen. Perfect tail.

 

[i cant think]

Well, I know I have 2 Pinkies for definite but I’m questioning whether I still have all 3. I don’t see the third but there’s only one of the three that truly shows a difference, the other two are the same size.
Supposedly all three have been seen recently - I don’t see the tank 24/7 so I’m hoping I am wrong and do still have all 3. I guess they get their name for a reason.

 

[Crabby48]

Anyone interested in H. Pallidus there is a shipment coming in. Nows your chance

 

[Tcook]

Anyone interested in H. Pallidus there is a shipment coming in. Nows your chance

Yes. Where?

 

[Slocke]

Is it just me or is there something fishy with Halichoeres lapillus? What do you think I think @i cant think ?

As in that looks like it’s in the wrong genus??

 

[Tcook]

Is it just me or is there something fishy with Halichoeres lapillus? What do you think I think @i cant think ?

As in that looks like it’s in the wrong genus??

Lol. A three day weekend late at night and we're looking at wrasses? Maybe we are in the wrong genus.

 

[i cant think]

Is it just me or is there something fishy with Halichoeres lapillus? What do you think I think @i cant think ?

As in that looks like it’s in the wrong genus??

Honestly, it looks like it’s in the wrong genus and should be in the Macropharyngodon genus however there is no throated teeth on this species which is why it went into the Halichoeres genus and is kind of a ‘Bridgeway’ point between the two genera.
It’s like with Xenojulis margaritaceus, this species looks very close to Macropharyngodon choati but it doesn’t have the throated teeth to go into the genus Macropharyngodon. I don’t know why it got its own Genus as it used to be known as Halichoeres macleayi.

 

[Slocke]

Honestly, it looks like it’s in the wrong genus and should be in the Macropharyngodon genus however there is no throated teeth on this species which is why it went into the Halichoeres genus and is kind of a ‘Bridgeway’ point between the two genera.
It’s like with Xenojulis margaritaceus, this species looks very close to Macropharyngodon choati but it doesn’t have the throated teeth to go into the genus Macropharyngodon. I don’t know why it got its own Genus as it used to be known as Halichoeres macleayi.

Yeah that's what I was wondering!

Lol. A three day weekend late at night and we're looking at wrasses? Maybe we are in the wrong genus.

I completely forgot I didn't have work today....

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I completely forgot I didn't have work today....

I work from home and did the same thing. Woke up at 4am, went and started my pot of coffee. Went outside for a smoke and froze. Came in, logged onto my PC, opened the call for my weekly Team call with my Team, realized it is a holiday after 5 minutes of waiting for them lol.

Opps.

 

[Petcrazyson]

I work from home and did the same thing. Woke up at 4am, went and started my pot of coffee. Went outside for a smoke and froze. Came in, logged onto my PC, opened the call for my weekly Team call with my Team, realized it is a holiday after 5 minutes of waiting for them lol.

Opps.

 

[Tamale]

Hey all, I am coming from a 20g max nano and setting up Reefer 250 (54g display) in a few days. Obviously still limited size wise but excited to be able to get into wrasses that are a bit more lively vs being shy or gigantic jerks haha.
The question; would a McCosker’s and a Radiant get along? Also considering a Carpenters in place of the Radiant as I plan to have a bare bottom for this tank and get conflicting reports Radiants need sand. Are two wrasses in general too much for my tank size? Thanks in advance!

 

[i cant think]

Hey all, I am coming from a 20g max nano and setting up Reefer 250 (54g display) in a few days. Obviously still limited size wise but excited to be able to get into wrasses that are a bit more lively vs being shy or gigantic jerks haha.
The question; would a McCosker’s and a Radiant get along? Also considering a Carpenters in place of the Radiant as I plan to have a bare bottom for this tank and get conflicting reports Radiants need sand. Are two wrasses in general too much for my tank size? Thanks in advance!

honestly, you’re still limited with fish for this tank size. Any Paracheilinus species (Flasher Wrasses) are off limits as they all need Atleast a 4’ tank to be happy. And if you’re 100% certain you want to go Barebottom that cuts off any Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Pseudojuloides, ect…

So, you’re really limiting yourself to the Cirrhilabrus genus which isn’t great as many of the smaller specimens are either incredibly rare or they display a lot and when they do it’s a stunning but huge display.

If you go for a Sand bottom tank though (I personally try to go as fine as I can with wrasses and mix in some smaller amounts of coarse sand), you’re opening yourself up to many more species that are possible.

 

[KassScott]

Hi y’all. I’ve read through quite a few pages of this thread and while I’m in information overload, I’m doing my best to take notes. I’m working on my stock list so I am very well prepared and can buy all in the correct order etc. I’ve got a 120g 4ft w/sump, sand bottom will be mixed reef (hopefully). Listed in “sort of” order of potential addition and some will be several at a time as necessity for aggression etc. I tried to give consideration to the areas (sand feeders, rock dwellers, etc) and variety of size. Please feel free to offer advice, opinions etc. This is not a hard and fast list and for some I’ve listed several just of my choices (for research haha) I’m clueless other than lots of research in the last few months lol but also every time I think I have something figured out someone makes a post in contrary. Haha opinions. They’re like * right? Hah. JK. Not on any of my posts but just reading through different threads. So….

1- ocellaris clown pair - this is what I already have in small tank prior to this upgrade.
2 - lyretail anthias - male and 2-3 females
3 - yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp
4 - ?? Other sand sifting goby?
5 - lawnmower blenny
6 - mandarin pair (pre stocking tank heavily w/pods well in advance)
7- pajama cardinals 2-3?

Here’s y’all’s part. Time to shine!! In Latin since I know that’s how y’all roll here…. Haha
8 - C. lineatus
9 - C. exquisitus
10 - C. isosceles
11 - M. bipartitus
12. P. mccoskeri or P. carpenteri
13. Another flasher that would be compatible

14. Magnificent Foxface
15. Chevron Tang
16. Kole Tang
17. White Tail Bristle-tooth Tang
18. Tomini Tang
**Likely 3 of the 4 tangs. TBD.
and at some point (hopefully not but) aiptasia eating file fish
And CUC - assortment. Urchin etc.

 

[Slocke]

3 - yellow watchman goby and pistol shrimp
4 - ?? Other sand sifting goby?
6 - mandarin pair (pre stocking tank heavily w/pods well in advance)

So a yellow watchman is not a sand sifting goby and that's a good thing. I f you want a sand-sifting goby try going captive bred. I also suggest that for the mandarin. Try Biota's Court jester goby with their mandarins if you can.

1- ocellaris clown pair - this is what I already have in small tank prior to this upgrade.
2 - lyretail anthias - male and 2-3 females
5 - lawnmower blenny
7- pajama cardinals 2-3?

All good mostly though anthias need several feedings per day and I find cardinals pretty boring.

Here’s y’all’s part. Time to shine!! In Latin since I know that’s how y’all roll here…. Haha
8 - C. lineatus
9 - C. exquisitus
10 - C. isosceles
11 - M. bipartitus
12. P. mccoskeri or P. carpenteri
13. Another flasher that would be compatible

All great choices! Add the flashers first. But the fairies are all pretty peaceful. Maybe consider a halichoeres like an Iridis.

14. Magnificent Foxface
15. Chevron Tang
16. Kole Tang
17. White Tail Bristle-tooth Tang
18. Tomini Tang
**Likely 3 of the 4 tangs. TBD.
and at some point (hopefully not but) aiptasia eating file fish
And CUC - assortment. Urchin etc.

The foxface is an awesome choice. I don't like tangs so my suggestion isn't going to be great but having 4 of the same genus may cause aggression issues. Also tangs definitely last and together.

Also the filefish will probably eat corals, if aiptasia is a problem go with peppermint shrimp.