can a mandarin and flasher wrasse make it in my 55 gal?

[chem-e]

I've been thinking about adding a flasher wrasse, but I already have a mandarin in my 55 gal. The mandarin is nice and fat as it doesn't have any food competitors, but I also have a fuge to keep the pod population up. Although I don't see many copepods on my glass anymore, I'm sure they are there as the mandarin is constantly picking at the rocks and its stomach is looking pretty plump. As for amphipods, I have lots of these as they're large enough to see at night. Would the wrasse compete for copepods, amphipods, or both?

My question is will the wrasse and mandarin coexist in my system? I'm sure others will say yes, but could you also comment on your experience along with how large your system is?

Thanks in advance and merry christmas everyone!

 

[Elysia]

My tank is a 56 gallon column. It does not have a sump or a fuge; it has a large amount of live rock. I have supplemented the copepod population perhaps three times in the last two years. The tank has been set up for just over two years, and my male spotted mandarin has lived in the tank for just under two years. He shares the tank with his mate, a smaller female spotted and a Lubbock's wrasse; both have been in the tank for over a year. I haven't seen a copepod in my tank for some time, but there are amphipods which all three eat. The mandarins also eat mysis, fresh crab, fresh salmon, fresh shrimp, and enriched brine. The wrasse will eat anything but especially likes fish eggs.

So, many will say "no," a mandarin can't live in such a small tank. Then they will say that they can't live in such a small tank w/ out a 'fuge or pod supplementation. Then they will say that they can't live in such a small tank w/ no fuge, no additional pods, and an additional pod predator like a wrasse. Then they will say that only two years of growth of the mandarin under these conditions can be considered success. Well, my male spotted has grown and is robust and healthy. He was added to a new aquarium, the first fish, to a small fuge-less tank, and he is one month away from having lived in this tank for two years. I have no reason to believe that he won't crack the two year mark and keep on going.

 

[chem-e]

Elysia - Thanks for providing your experience. I think what you've shared is pretty impressive and is a good example what an experienced reefer and system can provide.

I have a pretty good feeling that my system would sustain both fishes, but would like to hear what other's experiences have been. I just hate bringing home a new fish only for it to perish in my tank.

 

[EllieSuz]

We know that Wrasses provide competition for pods, so my question is, are the Flasher Wrasses less likely to compete than other types?

 

[Nerd1717]

I have a green mandarin and a christmas wrasse, but haven't had the mandarin very long so my expertise is limited. However, I haven't had any problems, and I attribute this to (getting lucky probably) and having them both eat prepared foods readily. My rockwork is also fairly expansive, and I have a 20 gallon sump in a 4 foot 55 gallon tank.

I also have a fairly deep (3-5 inch depending on the area) sand bed in both the sump and tank. I don't know if thats a factor but I can't imagine it hurts.

I would also add that I found out that a family friend I have is an expert (which I didn't know when I started reefing, that would have been nice) so I can often get help with problems very quickly if something goes wrong. Therefore I feel comfortable pushing things I wouldn't do without this help, so bear that in mind.

 

[twiggyb]

Flasher Wrasses don't pick at pods much, if at all, but other species of wrasse will. I have a McCoskers Flasher Wrasse and a mandarin and I never see the wrasse picking at the rocks. I feed pretty heavy too though to make sure all my fish get food. I think you should be fine by adding a flasher wrasse. Fairy wrasse or any others probably not since they're quicker at eating than a mandarin. Unless you have a big continuous supply of pods for everyone

 

[Elysia]

By the way, my male spotted has reached the two year mark! He is a robust as ever, and his female mate is becoming bolder everyday. She has really picked up on eating the frozen mysis and she is quite rotund now -- they chase one another every now and again. I think if I watch them consistantly at lights out, I will have the opportunity to see them mate, as I think the female has become full w/ eggs. I am very happy with the mandarins' health.

The Lubbock's wrasse continues to do well, too. I took a brief break from cleaning the tank one day in December and left the glass canopy open, and the Lubbock's took its first ever leap from the tank. Luckily, he lept into the bucket that I had sitting directly below the tank, which kept the cats and dogs from seeing him, and I heard him flipping about inside. Within two days he was back to his regular behaviors, and I make sure I never walk away from the tank w/ the canopy open!