Adding a wrasse or two? (Labouti, Hooded, Secretive)

[rishu_pepper]

Currently I have a 90g, looking to add a wrasse or two to complete the tank.

Livestock at the moment:

small Hippo tang
small yellow tang
starry blenny
two green chromis
orange stripped goby
scissortail dartfish
two Onyx clownfish

The inhabitants are extremely peaceful towards each other and have not ever noticed any aggression.

Other stuff:

several shrimps (cleaner, blood red, anemone, peppermint)
3" maxima clam
CUC
mostly LPS and softies

I have the opportunity to grab a secretive wrasse (1.5") from a local reefer. He did mention he's selling it because it's picking his trochus snails. I don't have any big snails, but will it nip at maxima clams? The clam is my prized possession so I'm not sure if I should risk it.

Also available are male Labouti and male Hooded fairy wrasses. From what I've read about, Hooded are rather shy fish, but I don't know much about Labouti. Will either of these make good additions to the tank (compatibility with other fishes, safety to coral/clam/inverts)?

Thanks in advance

 

[twon8]

Laboutis are great fish. Very active and peaceful ime

 

[Marshall O]

Laboutis are great fish. Very active and peaceful ime

In general, they are in the middle as far as aggression goes for Fairy Wrasses. Hooded are much more peaceful. Neither are shy. I have both of these in my 125. The Hooded was the dominant male in the tank for 18 months. Recently, the Labouti decided it wanted to be the dominant. The Hooded had to stay hidden for 3 days. They have since worked it out, and all is well. Labouti is turning into the nice supermale colors, flashing a lot more, but the tank remains peaceful.

 

[rishu_pepper]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Judging by the experiences for you guys, seems like Labouti is a good choice, though I will reserve judgment until I see both Labouti and Hooded. Another option out there is a red velvet too, but I do prefer the colours of the other two.

Skip the secretive?

I do have a mesh top to prevent carpet surfers.

 

[eatbreakfast]

The secretive wrasse, Pseudocheilinops ataenia, is a small, peaceful, reefsafe wrasse. As its common name suggests, can be a bit shy, but should be completely trusted with your clam.

All 3 of the fairy wrasse species would make fine additions.

 

[brett559]

I have a melanarus and red head solon wrasse. I love both of them. A melanarus will go after shrimp (he ate mine), but they are great fish - always active, always hunting, no aggression at all to other fish. The solon is very peaceful. Both appear to be very hardy and easy to care for.

 

[rishu_pepper]

The secretive wrasse, Pseudocheilinops ataenia, is a small, peaceful, reefsafe wrasse. As its common name suggests, can be a bit shy, but should be completely trusted with your clam.

All 3 of the fairy wrasse species would make fine additions.

Thank you for the advice! I may pick up the secretive as the price is right.

 

[evolved]

The secretive wrasse, Pseudocheilinops ataenia, is a small, peaceful, reefsafe wrasse. As its common name suggests, can be a bit shy, but should be completely trusted with your clam.

All 3 of the fairy wrasse species would make fine additions.

Agree, but I've also heard "Secretive Wrasse" as a common name for Pseudocheilinus evanidus, which is not one I'd mix with other wrasses.

What species does "Secretive Wrasse" imply here?

 

[d-man]

Labouti get big 5in, hooded not quite as big as the labouti. And like stated above, the hooded are more peaceful usually

 

[Deinonych]

Agree, but I've also heard "Secretive Wrasse" as a common name for Pseudocheilinus evanidus, which is not one I'd mix with other wrasses.

What species does "Secretive Wrasse" imply here?

That's what I was thinking as well. P. evanidus is also commonly known as "Disappearing Wrasse."

 

[evolved]

I hate common names!

 

[albano]

I hate common names!

Said the only guy named "Hunter", that I know of!

 

[d-man]

Lol

 

[evolved]

Checkmate

 

[rishu_pepper]

Possibly heading to the supplier to check out the various wrasses this weekend. Will report back!