Flame Wrasse Harem

[Ambition]

Is a standard 120 gallon aquarium big enough for a small harem (3-4) of flame wrasses? I love them, and would prefer to get one larger group of one species for wrasses as opposed to several fairy and flasher wrasses. Also, would there be any possibility of the male displaying for the females as the only species of wrasse in the tank? TIA!

 

[albano]

Also, would there be any possibility of the male displaying for the females as the only species of wrasse in the tank? TIA!

yes it will display for the females...BUT, IMO...there is a good chance that the females will eventually turn male, and then there may be some problems.

 

[Ambition]

I am prepared for the chance of that, as I have extra tanks and equipment.

So the tank is big enough for 3-4 flames, one being a displaying male?

 

[evolved]

Yup, it's big enough for that. And +1 on some of those females turning male/sub-male on you. It will eventually happen, but that doesn't mean it'll necessarily be problematic. You'll have to keep a watchful eye on the situation if transitions happen.

Ensure your tank is tightly covered; I'd recommend 1/4" clear mesh.

 

[Ambition]

Tank will be covered with 1/4" mesh screen because I don't want anything jumping out. With every fish it is a question of when a fish will jump, not when.

Would you guys suggest buying all females and have them work it out themselves? Or should I buy one male and get it acclimated before getting females? I know makes don't ship well and take longer to settle in than females. Noticed this with a pair at the LFS. Male was hiding most of the time while the female was out and protecting her rock from the carpenter's flasher wrasse.

 

[revaltion131]

If you can find sub-adults for sale, I want to know where! I had a hard time finding anything but a "super" male and I feel like I hit the jackpot finding a pair.