Fairy wrasse compatibility

[ben jammin]

Can two different species of fairy wrasses be kept together, or are they likely to fight? I've got a 4" red velvet fairy wrasse and would like to add a different kind, maybe Lubbok's, Scott's or whipfin of a similar size. Tank is a 260 FOWLR. Appreciate any input on this. Thanks!

 

[albano]

The problem could be that red Velvet, Scott's, and whip fin can all be aggressive. Personally I would never add the whip fin , and the Scott's would be questionable. The Red Velvets that I've had have not been a problem with other fairies, but some people say otherwise.

In general, most fairies and flashers do get along... My suggestion is to purchase female/juvis instead of more expensive, dominate males.

 

[Marshall O]

I agree, whatever you get, get a small one. That way it won't be viewed as competition. I would street clear of the Whipfin as mentioned, and only consider a Scott's if you don't intend to add any more Wrasses.

I have a mix of 8 Fairy and Flasher Wrasses my 125. All get along just fine

 

[snorvich]

I would not add Scott's or whipfin because of their aggressive nature.

 

[ben jammin]

Thanks for the feedback. Didn't know Scott's were so aggressive - with a name like fairy wrasse you'd think they'd be peaceful

I'm curious what the issue is with whip fins. Are they also aggressive, or very delicate?

Regardless, sounds like I can probably pass on both. I'm just about full up and already have my last two fish picked out. This would have been a little extra but apparently not a fit.

 

[snorvich]

Whip fins are aggressive.

 

[Bernie21]

whip fins are aggressive.

very!

 

[Marshall O]

Thanks for the feedback. Didn't know Scott's were so aggressive - with a name like fairy wrasse you'd think they'd be peaceful

I'm curious what the issue is with whip fins. Are they also aggressive, or very delicate?

Regardless, sounds like I can probably pass on both. I'm just about full up and already have my last two fish picked out. This would have been a little extra but apparently not a fit.

There are about a dozen Fairy Wrasses known to be more on the aggressive side. The rest will almost all coexist peacefully with other Wrasses with a couple of exceptions.

 

[ben jammin]

Where does the red velvet fairy wrasse fall on that scale? Mine has been a perfect citizen with my other fishes, which are all fairly boisterous (mostly triggers, tangs and angels).

What else besides the Scott's and whip fin are in that dirty dozen?

 

[evolved]

The six I advise to caution against:

C. adornatus, C. condei, C. scottorum, C. filamentosus, C. rubrisquamis, & C. tonozukai

 

[albano]

The six I advise to caution against:

C. adornatus, C. condei, C. scottorum, C. filamentosus, C. rubrisquamis, & C. tonozukai

+1... I think I'd add Laboutei, and Pylei to my 'caution' list

 

[snorvich]

The six I advise to caution against:

C. adornatus, C. condei, C. scottorum, C. filamentosus, C. rubrisquamis, & C. tonozukai

These plus C. roseafascia and C. pylei for me. It has also been my experience that females are more aggressive than males in all fairy wrasses species.

 

[aquaph8]

Plus C. rubripinnis and Labouti for me, both got pretty nasty.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I would add C. Rubriventralis, maybe not as bad as a filamentous, but still pretty bossy.

 

[38bill]

These plus C. roseafascia and C. pylei for me. It has also been my experience that females are more aggressive than males in all fairy wrasses species.

+1 C. pylei for sure.

I have had several Red Velvet males over the years and some were terrible but the big dude I have now is really pretty good. He doesn't go out of his way to fight but I'd guess that if another fish really challenged him he would be happy to rumble.