Question about Wrasse

Wildman · Jan 3, 2014

I have a 75gsl mixed reef. I want to do a group of wrasse. One male several female. At first I was thinking about getting one of a couple different kinds. Maybe a flasher couple different fairys and maybe a leopard. Then I was thinking about just doing all fairys one male and several female but all different species. What does everyone think about different types of wrasse living together?

Rob.D · Jan 3, 2014

Someone posted this link a while back (wish I could give them credit) All About Reef Safe Wrasses - 3reef Reef Aquarium Forum

CastAway · Jan 3, 2014

Nice article.

cee · Jan 4, 2014

Just watch mixing males in the same genus, esp. if similar in color/size. Also, female fairies will often turn into males in captivity with other wrasses. Otherwise it shouldn't be a problem (my tank is over 50% wrasses).

Dave

Wildman · Jan 4, 2014

Thanks guys. Very helpful.
What do you think about numbers. I am thinking about a pair of pink margins a male Long fin then a few female. Maybe exquisite, Whipfin, and bluehead. I'm hoping if one of the females turns it will be different enough to not fight.

Has anyone seen different species group together?

cee · Jan 4, 2014

I've had the following combinations before (fairies only, all or almost all males):

Laboutei, rhomboid, lineatus
Hooded, kwa Zulu, Lubbocks
Pink margin, Katherine's (not a good combination but it worked), flame

I've mixed in leopards, flashers and Hal. sp. wrasses with these as well. Life was fine but one would eventually jump or something. If your female turns then you'll have aggression with the other male of the same species.

Wildman · Jan 4, 2014

Nice thanks.
I know you have a smaller tank now but were those combos in a larger tank?

cee · Jan 4, 2014

Yes, except the 2nd combo. That is current minus the Lubbock's who jumped while we were out of town. I'd stay away from the larger fairies unless you have 120+ gallons. Pink margins can get pretty large. Never kept or was interested in a long fin so I don't know about them.

Dave

Torq21 · Jan 6, 2014

Rob.D said:
Someone posted this link a while back (wish I could give them credit) All About Reef Safe Wrasses - 3reef Reef Aquarium Forum

Leave Knoxville and forget all about the little people, huh?

I found that article and posted it last year. I've got an orange back, Lubbock's, and Fiji Christmas wrasse together right now. I plan to add more when I move to my new house and bigger tank.

Rob.D · Jan 6, 2014

Torq21 said:
Leave Knoxville and forget all about the little people, huh?

I found that article and posted it last year. I've got an orange back, Lubbock's, and Fiji Christmas wrasse together right now. I plan to add more when I move to my new house and bigger tank.

LOL, my apologies sir!

Rob.D · Jan 29, 2014

Have you added any wrasses yet?

Wildman · Jan 29, 2014

Not yet. Trying to save up some money. Would like to add several fish at one time to help with aggression.

On another note been thinking about putting together a set up for raising phyto and copepods. Anyone doing this?

Rob.D · Jan 29, 2014

Wildman said:
Not yet. Trying to save up some money. Would like to add several fish at one time to help with aggression.

On another note been thinking about putting together a set up for raising phyto and copepods. Anyone doing this?

Good plan on the fish!

I've never done the phyto/pod thing, I know Seth had some good luck with raising pods.

Spongie · Feb 11, 2014

Yeah raising Copepods isn't that hard, Tiggers (Tiggeroporous) are easiest. I still have three of the culture vessels and air pumps from Florida Aquaculture if you are interested. I never tried doing phyto but I read up on it and it didn't look too difficult. The trick on the Copepods was to harvest some often (every couple of weeks). That way you can replace with clean saltwater (a small water change of sorts). If you want I will try and find some of the links I used.