All About Reef Safe Wrasses in Aquaria

Richard John · Jul 6, 2019

I have a trio of flame wrasse heading to me on Tuesday I’m stocked any suggests for success

mattzang · Jul 6, 2019

Richard John said:
I have a trio of flame wrasse heading to me on Tuesday I’m stocked any suggests for success

give me one and give another to someone else

success!

jake_francis · Jul 6, 2019

Richard John said:
I have a trio of flame wrasse heading to me on Tuesday I’m stocked any suggests for success

Feed them a-lot. Eventually they will all turn males. You can’t have 3 males in 1 tank, only 1 will survive.

Richard John · Jul 6, 2019

jake_francis said:
Feed them a-lot. Eventually they will all turn males. You can’t have 3 males in 1 tank, only 1 will survive.

mattzang · Jul 7, 2019

Richard John said:

from this very thread:

About “Pairing” Wrasses, or Harems

In the wild, most genera of wrasses live in harems, which consists of a group of females to one dominant male. Often, there are a few transitional males in this group as well, which are essentially males-in-waiting – waiting for their chance to overtake the current or become the new dominant male. Within this harem, there is an established hierarchy; there are no bonded or mated relationships – it is all about the dominance of the terminal male and submission of the females and transitional males. This behavior is similar to that of anthias; wrasses do not “pair” like clown fish do.

In aquaria, it is rather difficult to successfully duplicate nature, in that all females tend to eventually transition to male, regardless of the presence of a more dominant male. Often, when this occurs in the presence of a dominant male, the new male may end up with best coloration. However, the survival of the old male is always questionable, and sometimes removal of one male becomes necessary for obvious aggression. For these reasons, I no longer bother with more than one specimen of a single species except in certain (rare) circumstances. I have attempted to keep a male/female pair/trio from the Cirrhilabrus, Halichoeres, and Paracheilinus genera, only to always result in all females turning to male with time.

Therefore, as an alternative to keeping pairs/trios/harems of wrasses in aquaria, an aquarist may wish to keep single specimens of each species mixed with others. So long as certain species are avoided, selections are made carefully, and in accords with the “About Mixing Species and Genera” section above, the results should be rewarding. Each specimen is highly likely to eventually transition to male, providing the best coloration. As an added bonus, the hierarchy of the group lends to displays of finnage and “flashing” of colors on frequent occasions for delightful viewing. However, the only catch with this approach is that some patience may be required. If specimens are purchased as juveniles or females, it may be a while before they transition into males. This time frame is widely variable, and depends not only on the fish’s age & maturity, but also the hierarchy established amongst the tank mates. In short, the timing is complicated, and may be as short as a few weeks to many, many months.

and a link for good measure:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/pairing-wrasses-thats-not-how-any-of-this-works.258310/

good luck dude!

saltyhog · Jul 7, 2019

It can work....for a while. But eventually all three will become male and then it will end badly. My female transitioned to terminal male in less than a year despite being on the bottom of the fairy wrasse totum pole in my tank.

Richard John · Jul 7, 2019

Very interesting read sounds like I will be attempting to capture them out my 180gl at some point

saltyhog · Jul 7, 2019

If they are like mine it won't be a problem. When I put my fish trap in the tank (I sometimes use it as an acclimation box) he will swim in several times before I can bait it or close the lid.

Richard John · Jul 7, 2019

I have decide to just buy one of the female flame wrasse help me pick a couple of cool wrasse to go with her until she becomes he lol

gotwins86 · Jul 8, 2019

Planning a stocking for a new 180 gallon tank. Thinking these are the wrasse I want to go with. All other fish in tank will be generally peaceful.

Added first.
McCosker's
Blue Flasher

Added next.
Rhomboid
Flame
Pintail

Added down the road.
Leopard

Everything look good? Also with the fairy wrasse, if I get all females will they all eventually turn to males? Would go this way to save some cash.

HairyGary · Jul 8, 2019

gotwins86 said:
Planning a stocking for a new 180 gallon tank. Thinking these are the wrasse I want to go with. All other fish in tank will be generally peaceful.

Added first.
McCosker's
Blue Flasher

Added next.
Rhomboid
Flame
Pintail

Added down the road.
Leopard

Everything look good? Also with the fairy wrasse, if I get all females will they all eventually turn to males? Would go this way to save some cash.

Looks good with the tank size you have. Of the three fairies, I would add the Rhomboid first. Tend to be the most shy of that group. Yes females will inevitably become males. Good luck

Richard John · Jul 8, 2019

Well backed totally out on the flame wrasse the guy wanted to charge me 100 for shipping lol so I order a Lineatus sound like he should be in there before the flame anyway
So my 180 gl has
Blue tang
Naso tang
Foxface
Starry Blenny
Two spot goby
And 3 anthias
With the Lineatus on the way

I’m open to suggestions for the next fairy wrasse
Flame hooded or what else

saltyhog · Jul 8, 2019

Richard John said:
Well backed totally out on the flame wrasse the guy wanted to charge me 100 for shipping lol so I order a Lineatus sound like he should be in there before the flame anyway
So my 180 gl has
Blue tang
Naso tang
Foxface
Starry Blenny
Two spot goby
And 3 anthias
With the Lineatus on the way

I’m open to suggestions for the next fairy wrasse
Flame hooded or what else

You'll love the lineatus, very beautiful fish. Mine completed QT last week and is fitting in well with my other wrasses.

You have lots of choices. Find what appeals to your eye and consult Hunter's chart. If you have questions bring 'em back here.

My C. lineatus is in with C. jordani, C. isoscoles, C. laboutei, C. exquisitus and C. roseafascia as well as a Potter's wrasse, Ear Muff wrasse and two flashers. No problems with their interactions.

mattzang · Jul 8, 2019

saltyhog said:
You'll love the lineatus, very beautiful fish. Mine completed QT last week and is fitting in well with my other wrasses.

You have lots of choices. Find what appeals to your eye and consult Hunter's chart. If you have questions bring 'em back here.

My C. lineatus is in with C. jordani, C. isoscoles, C. laboutei, C. exquisitus and C. roseafascia as well as a Potter's wrasse, Ear Muff wrasse and two flashers. No problems with their interactions.

what happened to your biocellatus?