Wrasse compatiblility + stock list check!

[sugar]

Hi all,

New to owning wrasses over here! Apologies for the redundant question - I know it's asked a lot.

I've done some digging but I'm not experienced here so wanted to see if anyone could chime in and correct me.

I currently have a ~3-3.5 inch melanurus wrasse and a 100 gallon (approx. 4x2x2).

I'd love to add more and here's what's available right now (availability is highly variable with species/timing, etc.):

- Red Head Solon Fairy (C. solorensis) OR Orange Back Fairy (C. aurantidorsalis) -- I see they are in the same complex so would only choose one
- Red Fin Fairy (C. rubripinnis)
- Yellow and Purple (H. leucoxanthus)
- Triplespot (H. trispilus)
(Edited to add the orange back as a contender)

I would get two fairies and both halichoeres if it could potentially work.

The triplespot I might drop if there is halichoeres compatibility issues. I'd like to have the yellow over the triplespot I think.

The other question is the compatibility between the fairies, between the halichoeres, and the compatibility between the fairies and the halichoeres... all with my current melanurus.

Current stock list (with planned fish):
- two ocellaris clowns
- bicolor blenny
- watchman goby
- melanurus wrasse
- kole tang
- one spot foxface
- banggai cardinal
- royal gramma (planned)
- coral beauty (planned)
- diamond goby (planned)
- citron goby (planned)
- red head solon or orange back fairy wrasse (planned)
- red fin fairy wrasse (planned)
- yellow and purple wrasse (planned)
- triplespot wrasse (planned)

For some context... I can have a hard time keeping nutrients up (they bottom out) with how my setup runs/nutrient demands. I'd like to stock a little heavier and then dial in nutrient export as needed.

Lots of rockwork and caves. Upgraded my IM Lagoon 25g (now being used as QT) to the IM EXT 100! Looks bare with the corals from the 25g all spaced out!!

Thoughts?? Suggestions?!

Thanks a lot!!

 

[Dburr1014]

@Slocke
@i cant think
These guys will know.

 

[sugar]

@Slocke
@i cant think
These guys will know.

Thanks for looping them in!!

 

[Slocke]

I’m glad to see you did your research!

So it could work. The potential issue is the established Melanurus. The two fairies should work well though I would add them at the same time or close to the same time if possible. (The rubripinnis and one of the solrensis complex as you said)

With the melanurus they are unfortunately one of the more aggressive a Halichoeres and can be aggressive to new Halichoeres wrasse especially closely related ones. Luckily neither of the other two you want are that closely related and hopefully it should work but you might want to get an acclimation box. A good acclimation box can both show you potential aggression before the fish is released but also hopefully negate that aggression.

Saying all of that if you do mix them you are likely to see increased displaying behavior which is always fun to watch.

 

[sugar]

I’m glad to see you did your research!

So it could work. The potential issue is the established Melanurus. The two fairies should work well though I would add them at the same time or close to the same time if possible. (The rubripinnis and one of the solrensis complex as you said)

With the melanurus they are unfortunately one of the more aggressive a Halichoeres and can be aggressive to new Halichoeres wrasse especially closely related ones. Luckily neither of the other two you want are that closely related and hopefully it should work but you might want to get an acclimation box. A good acclimation box can both show you potential aggression before the fish is released but also hopefully negate that aggression.

Saying all of that if you do mix them you are likely to see increased displaying behavior which is always fun to watch.

Thank you! Still lots to learn. These wrasse are just so captivating; I can see why there is such a fan base!

Really good info!! Thanks so much for replying, appreciate it! So yes, I'll have to really watch the halichoeres then. Good to know. Obviously I don't know how the melanurus will be with the other wrasses yet, and he is fairly new to me still, but he seems to be kept in place by the (small) kole tang and things are overall quite harmonious with everyone so far. Maybe it'll work, we'll certainly keep an eye. I do have the 25g set up and a roomy sump, should things get hairy. I could use a bigger acclimation box so I'll go ahead and do a little shopping!

One thing is, I can't believe how much the melanurus likes to eat. He seems insatiable, even going for the seaweed clip?!?

 

[Nano_Man]

Like above said @i cant think
You’re reef is looking stunning great to see it
I can’t think he is the wrasse man

 

[sugar]

Like above said @i cant think
You’re reef is looking stunning great to see it
I can’t think he is the wrasse man

Thanks a lot!! It's still quite new but thrilled to watch it fill in. I need to go update my build thread!!

 

[Nano_Man]

Thanks a lot!! It's still quite new but thrilled to watch it fill in. I need to go update my build thread!!

You have done a great job you must be happy

 

[Dburr1014]

Like above said @i cant think
You’re reef is looking stunning great to see it
I can’t think he is the wrasse man

LOL, that was slocke. I can't think learned from slocke.

 

[sugar]

LOL, that was slocke. I can't think learned from slocke.

We've got some resident pros here!

 

[Nano_Man]

LOL, that was slocke. I can't think learned from slocke.

Ok then slocke I don’t know him but thanks for the heads up

 

[Slocke]

LOL, that was slocke. I can't think learned from slocke.

Other way around actually

 

[Slocke]

Thank you! Still lots to learn. These wrasse are just so captivating; I can see why there is such a fan base!

Really good info!! Thanks so much for replying, appreciate it! So yes, I'll have to really watch the halichoeres then. Good to know. Obviously I don't know how the melanurus will be with the other wrasses yet, and he is fairly new to me still, but he seems to be kept in place by the (small) kole tang and things are overall quite harmonious with everyone so far. Maybe it'll work, we'll certainly keep an eye. I do have the 25g set up and a roomy sump, should things get hairy. I could use a bigger acclimation box so I'll go ahead and do a little shopping!

One thing is, I can't believe how much the melanurus likes to eat. He seems insatiable, even going for the seaweed clip?!?

Halichoeres translates to “salt pig” and like the name suggests they are very food obsessed and definitely enjoy nori.

Assuming they ship to Canada, octoaquatics sells really good acclimation boxes and is a trusted sponsor here. I personally try and use them for every fish

 

[sugar]

Halichoeres translates to “salt pig” and like the name suggests they are very food obsessed and definitely enjoy nori.

Assuming they ship to Canada, octoaquatics sells really good acclimation boxes and is a trusted sponsor here. I personally try and use them for every fish

Ok I need to keep doing my research as I did not know they would go after nori (or if it was good for them to eat!). I couldn't believe how voracious he was with it. Love to see fish eat though!

Checking them out now