Wrasse harem suggestion

Vance · Oct 17, 2015

I currently have a group of 3 females and one male of yellow canary wrasses who spawn almost every night before the lights turn off. But they are getting bigger and I feel like they are cramped, and I am looking to rehome the group to a better suited tank.

Does anyone have any suggestions for showy wrasses' that stay a little smaller? The tank footprint is 2'x2' and has three feet of vertical water column.

Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Vance

eatbreakfast · Oct 17, 2015

Most showy wrasses will use all your space and more during nuptial displays.

Vance · Oct 17, 2015

What about possum wrasses?

eatbreakfast · Oct 17, 2015

Vance said:
What about possum wrasses?

Possum wrasses or pink streak wrasses, though they are more cryptic than showy.

Vance · Oct 18, 2015

Well they would be the only fish in the tank, unless I need dither fish. Don't see then often would it even be possible to get a group of female/juveniles at the same time? I've only ever seen lone possums or pink streaks. McCoskers to big for a foot print like mine?

eatbreakfast · Oct 18, 2015

It should be possible to get harems of any of the cryptic species, it just depends how patient you are.

Mckoskers use a lot of space in their nuptial display. They can work in your sized tank, but you won't get the full effect. And then female flashers are hard to identify correctly and also have a tendency to transition into males themselves, even with a male present.

Vance · Oct 19, 2015

That is good to know about the mckoskers all turning males... I didn't realize that.

evolved · Oct 19, 2015

^ and it stands pretty universally for all Paracheilinus species, and Cirrhilabrus for that matter.

Vance · Oct 20, 2015

Well shoot... That blows this tank and my planned upgrade stocking lists out. So im really only looking at possums as my only long term option?

Evolved: While I have you here, do Wetmorella maintain a stable harem hierarchy in captive aquaria?