Cleaner Wrasse?

[SoloChromis]

I've always loved cleaner wrasses, but more for their odd look and diminutive size than their habit of cleaning other fish, and I did keep one in my 120g for about 6 months before my springeri dottyback chased him into the overflow :blown: I'm thinking of getting a common cleaner wrasse from Maldives (that's eating frozen), for my new 60g cube. Provided he's fed well, will he be able to thrive in a community of small fish, or will he be constantly pestering everyone else in the tank? Thanks guys :fish1:

 

[evolved]

IMO, pestering everyone. The long term success stories are typically in a larger tank but, more importantly, with larger fish which will tolerate the pestering.

 

[Giovanni]

I have had good success with two from LADD. I have a good mix of large/small fish so he mostly leaves the small fish alone. A tight fitting lid is a must. I had one of mine fine a 0.5x3 inch gap and go carpet surfing.

 

[snorvich]

They can be a pest. That being said, my African endemic is now ten years old. I do, however, have some fish that like being cleaned. I have largish tanks.

 

[leemosh]

How big are the "larger fish" that would be best to put with a cleaner wrasse?

 

[SoloChromis]

Planned tank-mates would be the following...

* (2) Orange Skunk Clowns
* One of the possum wrasse species (Wetmorella sp.)
* Leopard Wrasse (female)
* Kamohara Blenny
* Starcki Damsel

... Besides that there may be a few smaller gobies or damsels added as well. All of the fish are very small, and most are fairly timid, so he really wouldn't have any hosts most of the time

 

[snorvich]

Planned tank-mates would be the following...

* (2) Orange Skunk Clowns
* One of the possum wrasse species (Wetmorella sp.)
* Leopard Wrasse (female)
* Kamohara Blenny
* Starcki Damsel

... Besides that there may be a few smaller gobies or damsels added as well. All of the fish are very small, and most are fairly timid, so he really wouldn't have any hosts most of the time

The group indicated would not be a good group for a cleaner wrasse. Cleaner shrimp are usually a better idea as they set up a cleaning station rather than harassing the tank mates. But, remember, no effect on the parasites we would encounter.

 

[nuxx]

Have one in a 470.

Few tangs, triggers, fairy wrasses, anthias, etc...

Tangs and Triggers love him cleaning them. Will even do a belly roll to signal they want his services.

He chased the other wrasses around a bit, but figured out it was not worth his time.

Had him for almost a year and a half.

Eats mainly algae off the rocks, Nori and Mysis. Common Cleaner from Africa. Would also like to put a Hawaiian in someday as well. Just hard to come by.