Wrasse compatibilityquestions

[saltyhog]

My LFS has a beautiful Temminck's fairy wrasse that is about 3 3/4". I currently have a C. aurantidorsalis that has some similar coloration as one of the "blue fairy" wrasse. Would these two get along? Other Cirrhilabrus wrasses include a C. lubbocki and C. lineatus. Tank is 72x24x21 (155 gallon).

Second question. Is there a tank size where a C. lineatus and C. rubrimarginatus would get along or is that completely not doable? The also have a great rubrimarginatus that has been there for a month and is eating well.

 

[Aquaph8]

Temmincki can be pretty aggressive, I wouldn't mix one with that group IMO. If I were to attempt a lineatus and rubrimarginatus I'd add small Juvie fish and add them at the same time.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I have seen a linneatus and rubrimarginatus in a 156g, 60"x24"x24" just fine with each other. That is the smallest tank I have seen them together, but I am sure they could coexist in a tank smaller than that.

 

[Carlitosway84]

Before my reef crashed several years ago, I kept a lineatus, rubro, Pyle, Hawaiian flame and several flashers in a 75. Never really had any issues. Think it has a lot to do with how you add them and the general sizes of the fish. I also had a lot of flow and fed regularly so didn't really give them a reason to fight. Planning on attempting this again in the near future with my next build.

 

[saltyhog]

Thanks guys. The lineatus already in the DT is about 3" and the rubrimarginatus is a big one, about 4". With the new guy being bigger would that lessen or increase aggression on introduction (or no effect?).

I have used a social acclimation box for every wrasse addition after my original two wrasse. So far the existing wrasse pretty much have ignored the newcomer in the box. They display a little when first let out but there has never been anything physical with my other introductions.

 

[Carlitosway84]

Thanks guys. The lineatus already in the DT is about 3" and the rubrimarginatus is a big one, about 4". With the new guy being bigger would that lessen or increase aggression on introduction (or no effect?).

I have used a social acclimation box for every wrasse addition after my original two wrasse. So far the existing wrasse pretty much have ignored the newcomer in the box. They display a little when first let out but there has never been anything physical with my other introductions.

Yes I am a firm believer of the next one should be bigger or adding multiple specimens at once confuses the established tank mates. Length of time which the existing wrasses have been in the tank also plays into it. The longer the established fish the more likely to be an issue.

Acclimation boxes are great to use. You can watch for aggressive behavior without throwing the new guy into the wolves den so to speak.

At the end of the day nothing is 100% certain and you're always taking a gamble. I have always said fish are no different than any other animal or even humans, we all have different personalities you can generalize but there are always ones that stand out from the stereotype. I have played this gamble many times before including having at point in time over 15 angels in a 225 fish only tank, applying the same mentality.

Best of luck, hope this helps a bit.