Wrasse compatibility

Lofr · Nov 13, 2017

93g reef cube is just shy of 3 months. Recognize the limitation on fish due to the size and am trying to be as informed as possible as to which fish I choose, while still getting those that I find most appealing. That said, I have a 4-line wrasse that is doing great and would love to have a clown fairy as well. A guy at the LFS cautioned me about these being 'conspecific'. I understand this can be an issue with several fish species. When I read articles on this forum (and compatibility charts), however, I see aquarists have many types of wrasse in their tank. I'd sure appreciate other's thoughts on adding a clown fairy.

eatbreakfast · Nov 13, 2017

Four line wrasses and clown fairy wrasses are not conspecifics. Conspecific is just a fancy word for same species. However, the genus that fourline wrasses belong to, Pseudocheilinus, do not mix well with other peaceful wrasses. So a clown fairy wrasse would not be a good fit.

norfolkgarden · Nov 13, 2017

The 93 gallon tank should give you some wonderful fish choices to work with.

Unfortunately the 4 line, or a 6 line or 8 line are total PITA and will severely limit you on some truly beautiful fish.

Our six line should live at least another 6 or 7 years.... [emoji19]

Dump it before you feel a strong sense of loyalty to the fish...

norfolkgarden · Nov 13, 2017

What are your other fish?
What types of corals do you have an interest in?

Lofr · Nov 13, 2017

Thanks for your response. The other fish currently are a midnight clown, one-spot foxface, Bicolor pseudochromis, coral beauty angel, and a pajama cardinal. Corals are some zoas, acans, mushrooms, and a favia, all small frags.

eatbreakfast · Nov 13, 2017

The bicolor pseudo will be a problem too.

Lofr · Nov 13, 2017

Well darn! And I thought I was being so careful in fish selections.... what is the problem with the bicolor? On the coral, I forgot a galaxea and a duncan.

Lofr · Nov 13, 2017

norfolkgarden said:
The 93 gallon tank should give you some wonderful fish choices to work with.

Unfortunately the 4 line, or a 6 line or 8 line are total PITA and will severely limit you on some truly beautiful fish.

Our six line should live at least another 6 or 7 years.... [emoji19]

Dump it before you feel a strong sense of loyalty to the fish...

On the email above, the bicolor is a problem as well, it seems like the choices of fish to work with are sure becoming limited.

eatbreakfast · Nov 13, 2017

Most pseudos are pretty aggressive.

Eddie7144 · Nov 13, 2017

That's true pseudos can be aggressive, but usually , from the ones I have kept its more about territory, if a fish he dobt like gets to close to it's cave , watch out ! Other than that if he is our swimming around it don't bother no one. Its an orchid dotty back.

eatbreakfast · Nov 13, 2017

Eddie7144 said:
That's true pseudos can be aggressive, but usually , from the ones I have kept its more about territory, if a fish he dobt like gets to close to it's cave , watch out ! Other than that if he is our swimming around it don't bother no one. Its an orchid dotty back.

Orchid dottybacks are one of the most peaceful dottybacks

Fairy and flasher wrasses sleep in the rockwork at night, and this is when they have some of the most significant run-ins with dottybacks.