Green Coris Reef Safe?

[Mr. Fish]

I am planing my fish list for my 55 gallon softie and lps tank. I really like the look of a green coris and my mother always wanted me to get a wrasse. Do they pick at coral, clams, small fish, Astraea snails, cleaner shrimp or hermit crabs. Scientific name is Halichoeres chloropterus I believe. Anything special I should know about them?

 

[fishysteve]

It should be fine with everything. The shrimp I'm not sure about. I have one in my tank with all the things you mentioned but I don't have any shrimp.

 

[Mr. Fish]

My tank doesn't have a cover is that a problem.

 

[sneeyatch]

Could be. I had a Yellow "Coris" that jumped into the overflow once, but not sure about the green. I've also had a 6-line jump too but all were caught before they turned to jerky.

As for shrimp - I think that as long as there are shrimp in there before the wrasse is introduced, then you're OK. If you add shrimp after they've been established, then they'll definitely go after them. That's how it's been with all of my wrasses.

 

[Mr. Fish]

Does the wrasse really look as beautiful as it does in this picture? I would hate to go through all the trouble of special ordering it and get a fish I don't like the looks of.

 

[Nanook]

They are beautiful fish just like that picture, with a small amount of coloring at the bottom of them eventually. I started with 3 and they quickly became one that I have had for a couple years now. As far as I can tell, it has never eaten corals or shrimps.

 

[donkeys4hire]

I have a green wrasse. Looks just like the pic. It hasn't caused an issue at all. It buried itself in the sand for over 2 week upon introduction to my 55g. But it is out a lot now, still sleeps in the sand. It's my other wifes favorite fish.

 

[strike2867]

I wouldn't get him without a cover. Building a simple screen cover is easy and cheap.