The Wrasse Lover's Thread!

[Crabby48]

I like the suggestions. I think you will have aggression with those tangs. I recommend you pick one, tomini or the bristletooth. This will give you more room for perhaps a genicanthus angel or two. The chevron is endemic to Hawaii? So that won't be obtainable. I don't think it made the list.

Sand sifting anything. PIA imo. Especially if you want nice sandbed corals like scolymia, trachyphyllia, or fungia. They get worn down with sand being constantly spit on them.

Lyrtail are great. Recommend 5-6 for a 120. All female or 1 mail is fine. Can throw in a bimac as well.

I like the wrasse suggestions above. This will be a fun build to watch.

Agree about the tangs. That’s a one in a million to pull off.
I saw chevrons lately I think 3 grand

Yes. I saw these mentioned so many times in the number of pages I read just in the wrasse thread never mind the other threads that I knew it must be important lol

Check!! Gotta get one of those.

Do you do this separate from your qt? Or you just do this to let them settled from shipping but they’re not QT personally? I definitely get the merit of letting them fatten up and adjust slowly to the salinity. Thanks for the tip for sure.

It’s not needed but if possible nice to have. Many fish I get qt’ed and some I hold and some I don’t depending what I’m adding and what I have in the tank. If I’m qting then I hold them and watch while they settle and get fat before meds. A lot of my fish are in 1.019 water so impossible to drip and want fish out of bag and bag water quickly.

 

[KassScott]

Agree about the tangs. That’s a one in a million to pull off.
I saw chevrons lately I think 3 grand

Dang I guess I missed looking that one up. Haha. I thought I looked up everyone in my list. Lol. Maybe the people in the tang page are crazy. Lol. They’re all putting in multiples. Haha.

It’s not needed but if possible nice to have. Many fish I get qt’ed and some I hold and some I don’t depending what I’m adding and what I have in the tank. If I’m qting then I hold them and watch while they settle and get fat before meds. A lot of my fish are in 1.019 water so impossible to drip and want fish out of bag and bag water quickly.

Gotcha. That makes sense. I’ve def been looking at the already QTd. dr reef etc. the price is not so much more to not make it worth it for my time and space. but then you here the naysayers soooo… ‍. It def makes more sense for the slow salinity acclimation.

 

[Tcook]

Dang I guess I missed looking that one up. Haha. I thought I looked up everyone in my list. Lol. Maybe the people in the tang page are crazy. Lol. They’re all putting in multiples. Haha.

Gotcha. That makes sense. I’ve def been looking at the already QTd. dr reef etc. the price is not so much more to not make it worth it for my time and space. but then you here the naysayers soooo… ‍. It def makes more sense for the slow salinity acclimation.

Multiple tangs are fine but you have a 4 foot tank. I think you will be happier with a variety of other larger fish in your tank. Tang, foxface, bellus, purple tile. Rather than several similar tangs.

 

[Crabby48]

Dang I guess I missed looking that one up. Haha. I thought I looked up everyone in my list. Lol. Maybe the people in the tang page are crazy. Lol. They’re all putting in multiples. Haha.

Gotcha. That makes sense. I’ve def been looking at the already QTd. dr reef etc. the price is not so much more to not make it worth it for my time and space. but then you hear the naysayers soooo… ‍. It def makes more sense for the slow salinity acclimation.

I know a person who kept those tangs. It’s possible but also risky.

I don’t like meds but sometimes they are needed. All my can’t keep or Odie for no reason wrasse all lives that were qt’ed. my opinion is wrasse stress easy and then parasites can take over. Also at a certain point I couldn’t rush the fish I had. Qt fish doesn’t stop the problem as coral or anything can bring it in your tank.
Best thing is keep stress down and feed good healthy foods.

 

[KassScott]

Multiple tangs are fine but you have a 4 foot tank. I think you will be happier with a variety of other larger fish in your tank. Tang, foxface, bellus, purple tile. Rather than several similar tangs.

Yes. For sure. I guess I got caught in a rabbit hole. There seemed to be so few other big fish( that are reef sage). I saw the bellus but no one was really talking about them and everyone only mentioned flame and CBB lol. Well it seemed like. Haha. I love the triggers but they’re out too. One day…. Lol.

 

[Petcrazyson]

Yes. For sure. I guess I got caught in a rabbit hole. There seemed to be so few other big fish( that are reef sage). I saw the bellus but no one was really talking about them and everyone only mentioned flame and CBB lol. Well it seemed like. Haha. I love the triggers but they’re out too. One day…. Lol.

Bellus are my favorite of all the Genicanthus Angels! And they are 99.99% reef safe lol. It is known to be the most reef safe of all the Angelfish, that one and the Melanospilos. If you want one, get a pair, best colors, interactions, and keeps aggressiveness in lower levels.

Honestly, if you really would like a triggerfish, and aren’t too upset on loosing some shrimp or snails, a Blue Throat Trigger is the one to get. A 125 4’ is ideal for them. They don’t grow too fast either. Lots of clams and shrimp for them to keep them happy.

 

[KassScott]

Bellus are my favorite of all the Genicanthus Angels! And they are 99.99% reef safe lol. It is known to be the most reef safe of all the Angelfish, that one and the Melanospilos. If you want one, get a pair, best colors, interactions, and keeps aggressiveness in lower levels.

Pair of which? Either? Oh. Yeah I like the mela. Haven’t seen that one. Both pretty.

Honestly, if you really would like a triggerfish, and aren’t too upset on loosing some shrimp or snails, a Blue Throat Trigger is the one to get. A 125 4’ is ideal for them. They don’t grow too fast either. Lots of clams and shrimp for them to keep them happy.

Again. Another I saw mixed reviews on. They’re just so fun swimming. Lol. I’d prob be ok with that. And make sure I fed well to help. Ha a

 

[Petcrazyson]

I wasn’t sure what all angels could go in mixed reef. I’ve seen a few but just didn’t know who was safe with what. I just knew I wanted a few bigger fish

Angelfish, in the wild, don’t plan on eating coral when they get up from their sleepy hole. They want and love sponges! It just so happens that the sponges like to grow on and around the coral, so when the angelfish takes a bite of the sponge they end up taking a bite of the coral, and they end up liking the extra food. Sponge is main course and coral on the side lol. RSWC are what all Angels fall under, and most will say an Angel is never reef safe, but don’t let this put you off as all of it is to a degree. 9/10 they like a certain coral or a certain invert or something. They may like a trachy, but they leave the rest alone. They like to nip at Euphuyllia, but leave Zoas and Palys alone, or vise versa. Or they like to nip at something every once in a while. Or they won’t eat any coral. Or they absolutely demolish a reef lol. If and when you get an Angel, it will be unique and you will have to decide exactly what reef safe is and means, at least to you. If you want a really nice Angel, but don’t want a Genicanthus, look at the Blue Line (Not the Annularis) or the Regal: (RedSea variant). Those are the ones I’m leaning towards now that I have a slot for an Angel. Choose your own, ask here if you want lol, but if you want some help with angelfish, the Angel Lovers Thread is where you should go. Tons of people who would love to help.

 

[Petcrazyson]

Pair of which? Either? Oh. Yeah I like the mela. Haven’t seen that one. Both pretty

Yea a pair of one of the species. Rarely will you find two different types as a pair. Although here‘s a tip: Genicanthus angels change sex especially if there is no female or male. If you want to encourage a pair, or at least have a female of one species and a male of the other, get a female of one first, and then get a female of the other, encouraging the first female to convert into a male.

 

[Petcrazyson]

need to start a build thread. Loo. I thought I loved my rock scape but I’ve been second guessing it so trying to think what I can do to add to it. Thanks for you help!!

I’d be happy to be a follower of your thread if and when you make one :)

 

[KassScott]

Yea a pair of one of the species. Rarely will you find two different types as a pair. Although here‘s a tip: Genicanthus angels change sex especially if there is no female or male. If you want to encourage a pair, or at least have a female of one species and a male of the other, get a female of one first, and then get a female of the other, encouraging the first female to convert into a male.

That’s what I assumed you meant but then I was second guessing
I’d be happy to be a follower of your thread if and when you make one :)
Thank you!! I’m sure it would help me keep up with all the things…. Lol

Ps. My list is super devolving from my original and spinning back up a bit different. Lol. Loading……

 

[i cant think]

If you can only have 3 wrasse what is everyone ones choice.
potters
Viviens
Hemi

Cirrhilabrus shutmani
Paracheilinus attenuatus
Coris dorsomacula
They would be my 3 but I doubt I’ll ever only have 3 wrasses ;)

 

[i cant think]

Mine came the other day, amazing reference book.....

I also use this book, although it’s sat on its shelf for a while - I only recently started to use it because of a Coris dorsomacula ID that was wanted but also @Slocke got me looking into Coris formosa…

 

[i cant think]

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.

So, I went through the final 2 pages and noticed most of your stocking has been sorted through :)
So I guess I get the fun bit of splitting up wrasses and giving you 100s of recommendations! I’m kidding, I’ll give you a small list of wrasses going through each genus we often recommend to beginners. Now, first off before I give you ideas I’ll go through the wrasses that wouldn’t be great.
Lineatus is a bad move in general, they no only get aggressive as they age but you rarely find these as females. The main times you’ll find Cirrhilabrus lineatus on the markets is when they’re seen as ‘Supermales’ and by this time, they’re usually close to the end of their lifespan - I usually find they’ll last 1-2 years and not much longer than that.
The two Paracheilinus I see you had a question on if they could both work?
If I am correct in that’s what you meant then I wouldn’t do it personally. They’re closely related and very close in body shape which doesn’t always work out.

6-7 wrasses is a good number in a 4’ tank, in my 4’x2’x18” I have 5 (hoping to bump it back to 6/7 eventually) wrasses and a total of 12-13 fish.
Now, the fun part; recommendations!
I don’t know if you have a specific price range so I have gone for a list of both cheaper and rarer wrasses I personally like.

Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus
Cirrhilabrus nahackyi
Cirrhilabrus earlei
Cirrhilabrus naokoae
Cirrhilabrus hygroxerus
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
Cirrhilabrus lunatus
Cirrhilabrus pylei
Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa
Cirrhilabrus walindi
Halichoeres cosmetus
Halichoeres iridis
Halichoeres biocellatus
Halichoeres argus
Halichoeres chlorocephalus
Halichoeres leucoxanthus
Halichoeres melasmopomus
Halichoeres melanurus
Halichoeres vroliki
Halichoeres ornatissimus
Halichoeres richmondi
Halichoeres binotopis
Halichoeres timorensis
Halichoeres pallidus
Halichoeres rubricephalus
Macropharyngodon marisrubri
Macropharyngodon bipartitus
Macropharyngodon kuiteri
Macropharyngodon moyeri
Paracheilinus angulatus
Paracheilinus lineopunctatus
Paracheilinus bellae
Paracheilinus attenuatus
Paracheilinus cyaneus
Paracheilinus filamentosus
Paracheilinus flavianalis
Paracheilinus rubricaudalis

Surprisingly, that is actually a small list with 37 species. I will say, some of these may not get along with eachother or species with similar body shapes and colours. Generally they should be mostly peaceful however each species will need researching more.

 

[KassScott]

So, I went through the final 2 pages and noticed most of your stocking has been sorted through :)
So I guess I get the fun bit of splitting up wrasses and giving you 100s of recommendations! I’m kidding, I’ll give you a small list of wrasses going through each genus we often recommend to beginners. Now, first off before I give you ideas I’ll go through the wrasses that wouldn’t be great.
Lineatus is a bad move in general, they no only get aggressive as they age but you rarely find these as females. The main times you’ll find Cirrhilabrus lineatus on the markets is when they’re seen as ‘Supermales’ and by this time, they’re usually close to the end of their lifespan - I usually find they’ll last 1-2 years and not much longer than that.
The two Paracheilinus I see you had a question on if they could both work?
If I am correct in that’s what you meant then I wouldn’t do it personally. They’re closely related and very close in body shape which doesn’t always work out.

I may not have written it clearly. I had read they would not do well together so was saying one or the other and then questioning suggestion for another flasher because I thought I’d read they would flash better if there was another so was considering whatever 2nd flasher would work well if that’s how that works. Or any 2 that would be suggested?

6-7 wrasses is a good number in a 4’ tank, in my 4’x2’x18” I have 5 (hoping to bump it back to 6/7 eventually) wrasses and a total of 12-13 fish.
Now, the fun part; recommendations!
I don’t know if you have a specific price range so I have gone for a list of both cheaper and rarer wrasses I personally like.

Cirrhilabrus bathyphilus
Cirrhilabrus nahackyi
Cirrhilabrus earlei
Cirrhilabrus naokoae
Cirrhilabrus hygroxerus
Cirrhilabrus lubbocki
Cirrhilabrus lunatus
Cirrhilabrus pylei
Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa
Cirrhilabrus walindi
Halichoeres cosmetus
Halichoeres iridis
Halichoeres biocellatus
Halichoeres argus
Halichoeres chlorocephalus
Halichoeres leucoxanthus
Halichoeres melasmopomus
Halichoeres melanurus
Halichoeres vroliki
Halichoeres ornatissimus
Halichoeres richmondi
Halichoeres binotopis
Halichoeres timorensis
Halichoeres pallidus
Halichoeres rubricephalus
Macropharyngodon marisrubri
Macropharyngodon bipartitus
Macropharyngodon kuiteri
Macropharyngodon moyeri
Paracheilinus angulatus
Paracheilinus lineopunctatus
Paracheilinus bellae
Paracheilinus attenuatus
Paracheilinus cyaneus
Paracheilinus filamentosus
Paracheilinus flavianalis
Paracheilinus rubricaudalis

Surprisingly, that is actually a small list with 37 species. I will say, some of these may not get along with eachother or species with similar body shapes and colours. Generally they should be mostly peaceful however each species will need researching more.

Thank you so much. I’ll start working my way through this list. I feel like supply is going to be the problem with a lot as I’ve seen so many sold out lists ha.

 

[Petcrazyson]

I may not have written it clearly. I had read they would not do well together so was saying one or the other and then questioning suggestion for another flasher because I thought I’d read they would flash better if there was another so was considering whatever 2nd flasher would work well if that’s how that works. Or any 2 that would be suggested?

Thank you so much. I’ll start working my way through this list. I feel like supply is going to be the problem with a lot as I’ve seen so many sold out lists ha.

Little advice: Don’t get too comfortable around us as you’ll be bitten by the wrasse bug :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing: Then you’ll end up with a tank just full of wrasse lol. Talking from experience here :grinning-squinting-face:. My tank and build wasn’t originally planned for wrasse but….now it is lol.

 

[i cant think]

Little advice: Don’t get too comfortable around us as you’ll be bitten by the wrasse bug :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing: Then you’ll end up with a tank just full of wrasse lol. Talking from experience here :grinning-squinting-face:. My tank and build wasn’t originally planned for wrasse but….now it is lol.

I doubt your wrasse list will stay the same either haha, I wish I thought mine through more sometimes, however I gues I have room for one last wrasse. Which one it’ll be is a mystery, I’d love Roseafascia and would possibly push my luck if I had a female infront of me knowing how well my wrasses act so far.

 

[Petcrazyson]

I doubt your wrasse list will stay the same either haha, I wish I thought mine through more sometimes, however I gues I have room for one last wrasse. Which one it’ll be is a mystery, I’d love Roseafascia and would possibly push my luck if I had a female infront of me knowing how well my wrasses act so far.

I like that lol. There is always room for one more right? :grinning-squinting-face:

 

[Crabby48]

I like that lol. There is always room for one more right? :grinning-squinting-face:

To me yes. Non sand sleepers will drawl the line how many and will kill off the others. Tried so many times to get one more but they wouldn’t have it. Sand sleepers are so much more chill.
Because of wrasse I want to start selling fish. Why because I want people to have healthy fish ready for tanks but more important I want them all for me.

 

[KassScott]

Little advice: Don’t get too comfortable around us as you’ll be bitten by the wrasse bug :rolling-on-the-floor-laughing: Then you’ll end up with a tank just full of wrasse lol. Talking from experience here :grinning-squinting-face:. My tank and build wasn’t originally planned for wrasse but….now it is lol.

Lol. The first step is admitting you have a problem right. Haha.

I doubt your wrasse list will stay the same either haha, I wish I thought mine through more sometimes, however I gues I have room for one last wrasse. Which one it’ll be is a mystery, I’d love Roseafascia and would possibly push my luck if I had a female infront of me knowing how well my wrasses act so far.

Yeah for sure but starting with a list that gives the best chance of success helps. Setting up for failure definitely doesn’t help you enjoy the hobby. Ha

I like that lol. There is always room for one more right? :grinning-squinting-face:

The second step is hanging out with a bunch of enablers. Am I right? That’s how this works right?

To me yes. Non sand sleepers will drawl the line how many and will kill off the others. Tried so many times to get one more but they wouldn’t have it. Sand sleepers are so much more chill.
Because of wrasse I want to start selling fish. Why because I want people to have healthy fish ready for tanks but more important I want them all for me.

So non sand sleepers are more aggressive.