Cirrhillabrus wrasse- best stocking protocol

[diverkkc]

Hello, folks. I was hoping someone with experience keeping 2 or more groups of fairy wrasses may be able to assist me. I am finishing setup for my 180 gallon reef tank and will be stocking fairy wrasses as its focal point once the tank is well established. I am considering two trios (male + 2 females).

I occasionally see trios of the fairy wrasses I am interested in available at a couple of online vendors. I always assumed this is the route that I would go. However, seeing groups of females available has led me to a couple of questions:

1) Being protogynous hermaphrodites, would it be reasonable to consider purchasing a trio of females (versus 1 male + 2 females) and simply waiting for one to transition to male?
2) If I went the all female route, would I be increasing the likelihood that more than one female would begin to transition to male at the same time, when compared to all ready having a male present?
3) Do any experienced fairy wrasse keepers have any reason why I should consider stocking one way or the other?

I really appreciate any feedback from experienced fairy wrasse keepers. I am considering one trio of Hawaiian Flames and one trio of Lineatus. Thanks for any help.

Kevin

 

[evolved]

1) Yes, you have the correct understanding
2) No; they'll work it out and one will transition. However, it's possible even with a male present a female might transition anyway; some species are much more prone to this than others (such as C. jordani).
3) If it were me, I'd try to find a trio of juvi's actually. Then not only do you get to watch one transition, but you get to watch them grow as well. But finding juvi's for sale isn't always feasible.

As for the species you have in mind, please note the above caveat on jordani. Also, female lineatus can be downright mean (which is characteristic of most Cirrhilbrus; the females are often more aggressive than the males - but again this is variable by species).

 

[diverkkc]

1) Yes, you have the correct understanding
2) No; they'll work it out and one will transition. However, it's possible even with a male present a female might transition anyway; some species are much more prone to this than others (such as C. jordani).
3) If it were me, I'd try to find a trio of juvi's actually. Then not only do you get to watch one transition, but you get to watch them grow as well. But finding juvi's for sale isn't always feasible.

As for the species you have in mind, please note the above caveat on jordani. Also, female lineatus can be downright mean (which is characteristic of most Cirrhilbrus; the females are often more aggressive than the males - but again this is variable by species).

Thanks, evolved. I got the wrasse freak right off the bat. Can't beat that! I appreciate the feedback. One more question, if you don't mind:

If I did decide to go with c. jordani and c. lineatus, would you recommend the c.jordani group be introduced and established first, given the tendency of c. lineatus females to be on the mean side? I have heard c. rhomboidalis are a bit more on the docile side and find them equally attractive. Would you consider them a better trio to keep with the c.jordani trio? In this case, would it be wise to introduce the c. rhomboidalis and let them establish first? I could be wrong, but have read they are one of the more docile Cirrhilabrus wrasses. Thanks!

 

[evolved]

Again, mostly correct with rhomboidalis typically being mild in temperament. However, they are like C. jordani in that females have a tendency to go male in captivity regardless if there's another male present. So no, I wouldn't necessarily consider them a better candidate; they both have pros/cons.

And yes, I'd put in jordani before either of those. But personally I wouldn't bother trying to keep jordani females; they're going to end up all males in all likelihood.

 

[diverkkc]

thanks, evolved. Sorry for all the questions, just trying to learn. Feel free to stop answering if you get tired of it :thumbsup:

Just curious if you have kept a group of c. jordani (male + multiple females) in a "harmonious" situation for any length of time? I have seen c. jordani owners occasionally have to remove/sell one when they have a 2nd transitioning to male, but don't know if they went years, or months, with a successful harem.

I know females should be introduced simultaneously or before the male (or so I have been told). So, if someone started with, for example, one male and 3 females, and one started to transition and was moved, would you not be able to successfully add another female to keep the same ratio?

Seeing a male interact or flash at females is truly a wonderful sight. I would hate to not have a chance to see this interaction and worry that keeping a male alone is not natural for them or necessarily good for long-term health. I know Bob Fenner recommends all cirrhilabrus wrasses be kept in male + 2 or more females.... ugh, so much to learn.