Wrasse compatibility?

[Mallowolf]

Ok so I caught the wrasse bug! Ever since getting my yellow fin fairy wrasse and then my blue side fairy wrasse i've been in absolute love with wrasses! I would like to add another if possible. I did post on another forum about adding a male solon wrasse along with my current tank residents and it seems as though everyone thought they'd be fine as long as I use an acclimation box (which I ordered and will be here tomorrow). But I think I might want to add one more after that if possible. I currently have:

A 75 gallon reef tank with a 20 gallon sump
1 yellow tang
2 ocellaris clowns
1 fire goby
1 mandarin
1 starry blenny
1 green chromis
1 yellow fin fairy wrasse
1 blue sided fairy wrasse
1 cleaner shrimp
a bunch of nassarius/turbo snails and red/blue legged hermit crabs

I have ordered a male solon from liveaquaria which should will be here Saturday (I have a QT all set up)

I was thinking of adding another wrasse after the solon if possible. Or would my tank be too crowded? I was thinking of possibly a lubbock's fairy or would he be a problem? If you think another wrasse could work, what would be another good addition?

I appreciate any advice you guys have to offer!

 

[KoleTang]

I wouldn't add any more Cirrhilabrus in there. C. solorensis is most likely going to butt heads with C. lyukyuensis. If lyukyuensis starts getting aggressive towards the new wrasse in the box, try putting a mirror on the other side of the take to take its attention off it (Just make sure it doesn't hurt itself). I suggest mixing up the genus more in a tank that size. (Look in to Paracheilinus, Halichoeres, Wetmorella)

 

[Mallowolf]

I wouldn't add any more Cirrhilabrus in there. C. solorensis is most likely going to butt heads with C. lyukyuensis. If lyukyuensis starts getting aggressive towards the new wrasse in the box, try putting a mirror on the other side of the take to take its attention off it (Just make sure it doesn't hurt itself). I suggest mixing up the genus more in a tank that size. (Look in to Paracheilinus, Halichoeres, Wetmorella)

I just realized that there are multiple fairy wrasses that are called "blue sided fairy wrasses". I believe the one I currently have is a C. Cyanopleura (ruby head variety). Sorry for the confusion, that's what my lfs called them. My yellow fin fairy is actually the more "dominant" wrasse out of the two i currently have. He chases him around a little but they don't try and attack each other or anything.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Using an acclimation box will allow you to add the lubbocks, among other fairy wrasses if you desire.

Having a handful of Cirrhilabrus wrasses diffuses aggression as it gives the dominant fish more targets to pursue, and gives less dominant wrasses a break.

 

[Mallowolf]

Thats good news! I'll see how my solon does and go from there.

I would love to try a wrasse from the halichoeres family but it would have a field day with my shrimp and hermit crabs.

If I did decide to go with a wrasse from the paracheilinus family, would I still have to worry about aggression?

 

[evolved]

There's a bit of a risk from the yellow-fin flasher.

But again, using an acclimation box would be the best path there; should work.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I have a bunch of Halichoeres (7 currently) with hermits snails and shrimp. I know there is a risk, but to be honest none have shown a remote interest in the inverts.

 

[Mallowolf]

Sounds good then!

I'm really excited now! Can't wait to get my solon wrasse tomorrow! :becky:

 

[Mallowolf]

I have a bunch of Halichoeres (7 currently) with hermits snails and shrimp. I know there is a risk, but to be honest none have shown a remote interest in the inverts.

Really? Oh man! My lfs had some really nice hoven's wrasses last time I checked. Decisions, decisions!

I haven't been very successful with the reef safe "with caution" fish. I had a tank raised flame angel in my tank for 30 minutes and it started picking on my brain coral! I may just have to try my luck with one of those wrasses though!

 

[saltyhog]

I wouldn't add the Halichoeres if you intend to keep the mandarin. I have two Halichoeres in a 180 gallon system and they keep my pod population too low to support a mandarin. Although I would love a mandarin I love my Halichoeres wrasses more. Your mileage may vary..... I defer to Evolved and Eatbreakfast's expertise there.

A flasher would be awesome! P. flavianalis, P. mccoskeri, P. lineopunctatus are just three of many beautiful Paracheilinus wrasse.

 

[Mallowolf]

I wouldn't add the Halichoeres if you intend to keep the mandarin. I have two Halichoeres in a 180 gallon system and they keep my pod population too low to support a mandarin. Although I would love a mandarin I love my Halichoeres wrasses more. Your mileage may vary..... I defer to Evolved and Eatbreakfast's expertise there.

A flasher would be awesome! P. flavianalis, P. mccoskeri, P. lineopunctatus are just three of many beautiful Paracheilinus wrasse.

Oh yeah, I forgot they eat pods! I love my mandarin, finally got him to eat prepared food! I wouldn't be able to give him up! I think I will stick to the solon wrasse right now and see how that goes. I want to make sure I don't exceed my bioload!

 

[eatbreakfast]

I wouldn't add the Halichoeres if you intend to keep the mandarin. I have two Halichoeres in a 180 gallon system and they keep my pod population too low to support a mandarin. Although I would love a mandarin I love my Halichoeres wrasses more. Your mileage may vary..... I defer to Evolved and Eatbreakfast's expertise there.

A flasher would be awesome! P. flavianalis, P. mccoskeri, P. lineopunctatus are just three of many beautiful Paracheilinus wrasse.

Im glad you remembered the mandarin. I completely forgot about him in the list. Yeah, the Halichoeres will definitely wipe out the pods.

I too would like a mandarin, but I prefer my Halichoeres wrasses.