halichoeres biocellatus?

[SDguy]

I've had this halichoeres biocellatus for a while now. Lately, he is developing some really lovely colors. Obviously he's turning into a male. A LFS has a small female. Any problems with just adding her to the tank?

Mine, when I first got it:

And now:

 

[Luiz Rocha]

Lovely fish, I don't think adding a female would be a problem, but he may chase her since she will be smaller. Do you have any way of isolating him for a few days to give her a chance to find hiding spots?

 

[SDguy]

Thank you. I could trap him and remove him. I guess that was part of my question too... would the fact that she is an obvious female (color/size) make him less likely to chase her? I know with anthias, males generally pay almost no attention to small, obvious females...

 

[Luiz Rocha]

Wrasses are a bit more aggressive than Anthias. I am sure the male will try to establish dominance as soon as you put her in, so to avoid any damage I would isolate him for a few hours (or a day or so), just until she gets acclimated.

 

[fishermania]

I did the same thing halichoeres malenarus a few years ago. They was a little aggression at first, but they settled in. Added 2 females. They were fine for a few years, and the on the females turned. Not sure if it was a Juvi male when I bought it or changed later. After about six months that got aggressive with each other and caused month damage and died. If you see one starting to turn I would take it otherwise good luck.

 

[redwingrob40]

Anyone keep this fish with clams in their tank? If not do you think that they would bother the clams? I have read that some people have had issues with some of the other Halichoeres species flipping clams and eating their foot...