goldern coris wrasse question

[wardworld]

I am considering one of these and want to know why all of the online sites say "expert" level aquarists should keep this fish. Nothing in the notes seems to indicate why it requires "expert" care...anyone have one or know of any special needs this species has???
Thanks,

 

[InLimbo87]

Also wondering the same thing, I actually just made a post on another forum about this exact thing after I saw the "expert only" heading. I was under the impression they were pretty hardy/good reef dwellers.

 

[eliteaqua]

you have a pm

 

[wardworld]

Marcye, do you know anything about the husbandry required for this fish? Is it difficult?

 

[Reefworkschris]

There is nothing difficult about keeping a golden wrasse.... i'm not sure why they would say their for experts only. This is an extremely hardy fish once they are acclimated but don't always ship well. And they do tend to jump or burrow in the sand when startled so make sure the tank is covered.

 

[InLimbo87]

I see, they probably put "expert only" because it doesn't ship well (ie they don't have to guarantee it after shipment)

 

[Me No Nemo]

I've found they are very hardy and haven't had any shipping issues personally. I think that with any wrasse you have to be sure that you have a source of live food to back up normal feedings since they do need fed more often like other wrasses, mandarins and anthias. They are often labeled "expert level" as a heads up as many folks, especially those new to the hobby, aren't yet familiar with refugiums or other sources for a consistent live food diet. A wrasse/mandarin/anthias can often clean out a live food source in a matter of weeks without replenishment. A good healthy refugium is, in my opinion, a requirement for keeping these fish happy and healthy. Also...a covered aquarium is a MUST. They are big time jumpers!!! With them it's not "if" but "when." HTH, Marcye

 

[Me No Nemo]

BTW, I've had one for two years now...so I don't see that they are difficult at all The green ones are great as well and a bit different.

 

[sytanek]

My green coris wrasse eats anything. He actually prefers formula 2 flake over anything. Only thing is at about 6pm he goes to bed and buries himself in the sand, so we have to make sure to feed him a bit earlier than what we normally do.

 

[wardworld]

Thanks Marcye...great info...I really wasn't aware of the importance of live food for these types of fishes - now I'll have to consider that as I don't currently feed live food (nor do I have a refugium).
Thanks again,