Bluehead Wrasse(Thalassoma Bifasciatum) compatible with Cleaner Shrimp

[M Woodhill]

it's said to be a great pest controller and even said to may predate on mantis shrimp.

i know it has a strong appetite for shrimps but will it tolerate cleaner shrimps that clean up pests?

and how aggressive is it?

 

[SDguy]

I found this fish to be too aggressive for my butterfly/angel 240g FOWLR and removed it. I think wrasses from the Halichoeres genus are much better choices for pest control.

 

[evolved]

I found this fish to be too aggressive for my butterfly/angel 240g FOWLR and removed it. I think wrasses from the Halichoeres genus are much better choices for pest control.

+1

The Thalassoma genus is a pretty aggressive bunch and it will likely enjoy your shrimp as a quick, small appetizer.

 

[M Woodhill]

Thank you guys. I guess I can go either with a melanurus or green wrasse. A followup question:

I wanna do the tank barebottom so is it possible to put a sand tupperware in tank alternatively as its burrow?

 

[evolved]

Yes, and such is necessary in a BB to keep them.

 

[M Woodhill]

Yes, and such is necessary in a BB to keep them.

I was quite worried it won't find its lair :lol2:

 

[evolved]

They're smarter than you might think.

 

[fishfreak2009]

For what it is worth, my melanurus devoured my cleaner shrimp, while my bluehead wrasse left them alone.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Yep, melanurus can't be kept with ornamental shrimp.

 

[SDguy]

I prefer smaller species like H. biocellatus.

 

[evolved]

Yep, melanurus can't be kept with ornamental shrimp.

Not necessarily true. It depends on the individual, and the odds are better if the shrimp are in the tank first.

I prefer smaller species like H. biocellatus.

With the size of the Halichoeres genus, there are many choices; some of which a bit better suited than others (such as that one).

 

[CedzAquAddictio]

No personal experience with the bluehead, but, I've seen melanurus take out every shrimp and snail in the tank. Even when the inverts were in the tank prior to the melanurus being introduced.

On the other hand, I've seen melanurus from the same shipment and same size as above not touch a single invert. Even those that were added in the middle of the day with the lights on by being dropped into the water from the top of the tank.

It's a risk either way, and truly depends on the individual fish.

I have over $300.00 worth of inverts in my tank. Just not worth the risk for me. Sad, because it's such a beautiful fish that has benefits as well...

Best of luck...

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

Yep, melanurus can't be kept with ornamental shrimp.

mine is 5-6 inches and doesnt touch either of my shrimp.