Fairy Wrasse compatibility???

[Sheni Angel]

I am a bit perplexed as I have known of those to have more than one Fairy Wrasse in their Reef Tank. Didn't think there were any dangers to worry about.

I have had a Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura) in my tank for a couple mths. I decided I would like at least one more and a couple days ago, added a very spunky healthy (after quarantine) Scott's Fairy Wrasse from Australia (Cirrhilabrus scottorum). The Ruby Head IMMEDIATELY acted differently going balistic to chase the new Fairy Wrasse until they both disappeared in the back of the tank. He acted differently all evening (like he was on a hunt) and the new one disappeared. It has been a couple days now and I have seen absolutely NO sign of the new Fairy Wrasse at all. I know they can wedge themselves under rock so you don't even know they're in the tank but I have no idea if he is alive or not given the circumstances. My tank readings are very good (no ammonia spike). He was so active in the other tank, I feel badly if he is so hidden you can't ever seen him now.

~Thanks, Sheni

 

[zemuron114]

some fairies will do that. The scotts is probably hiding now. I would remove the ruby head and reintroduce him later. The scotts will never come out until the ruby is gone (or the ruby eases up which is unlikely)

Try the cup method. It has worked great for me, and many others who have tried it.

1st thing is first. Make sure the scotts is alive. If it is, get the ruby head out.

 

[RichConley]

I've had a couple of fairys, (exquisite, cyanopleura, lubbocks,etc) adn the cyanopleura was by far the most aggressive. (And not just with other fairys)

 

[Sheni Angel]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Well, I woke up to find the Scott's laying in reach with bite marks as if he had just given up for death. Was able to get him out into the quarantine, hoping he would recover once again alone. He didn't make it today. Oh, what a beautiful fish he was too and I always feel bad with ANY deaths.

Long story short, my Ruby Head will go. I would rather have a more gorgeous Fairy Wrasse if I can only have one, and more peaceful for that matter. Funny, he is listed as peaceful. I am going to rearrange and let him go live with the LFS. Rich, that is interesting to know and affirm, although I never had a problem until a new Fairy Wrasse.

Thanks~ Sheni

 

[FishF00d]

I'm having similar problems with my solar wrasse. It was the last one in and now there is only one other left out of the 5 i had. He will be headed back to the store shortly. He didn't show any aggression until after about 5 months in the tank and then he had all the others swimming in fear.

 

[zemuron114]

i have had good luck with flames, lineatus, laboutei, bathiphylus, rhomboid, balteatus. All of them have been fine with each other.
Out of these fairies the laboutei is probably the most aggressive.

Also the yellowfin is very passive as well.

 

[Sheni Angel]

Wow, Wrasse just seem to be a confusing fish. Might work together and just might not. I will only own one to be on the safe side unless I buy them together, although too bad with all the gorgeous species out there!

 

[bubbaOPPD]

You seem to have gotten a rogue, I have a 120gal with 5 fairys(Scotts, Solorensis, Pink Margin, Whipfin, and Lubbocks) and a 240 with a large Scotts, 2Lineatus, Laboutei, Roseafascia, Rubripinnis, Exquisite, and female Solorensis with no problems. there is a definite pecking order but no big fights.