Halichoeres melanurus Wrasse

[BucNtears]

As I've looked at the number of reef safe wrasse I started wondering why not more of the wrasse lovers never mention this wrasse. I've recently picked up a male that holds just as much color as the more expensive wrasse at a fraction of the cost.
I'm looking for more of the experienced wrasse keepers to chime in on this specific type of wrasse and get your take.

Here is a write up from one of RC sponsors

Description
One of the best kept secrets in the hobby, the Melanurus Wrasse is one of the best problem solvers for Planaria flatworms in reef aquariums. Forget medications that can harm or damage your delicate motile invertebrates! The Melanurus Wrasse will consume flatworms and you will see the difference within a matter of a couple of days. Once the flatworms are gone you have an attractive, friendly fish that will readily adjust to a captive diet and frequent the water column with activity. There are definate differences in the sexes as the female has a spot on it's tail and the male lacks that spot.

 

[WuHT]

Don't know how trustworthy that quote is, as well as fish are relatively individualistic in that there are no guarnatees that they'll function as intended.

Melanurus definately are up there in terms of looks, i had a hard time deciding between ornatissimus christmas wrasse or that (got the one that came in first to the LFS).

However, i'd like to know how well halichoeres wrasses do with other halichorese wrasses, in a tank the size of the OPs.. (say 120). Agression ?

 

[SirToppemHat]

Mine has been great. I believe I have a female, need to check for the tail spot. It's housed in a 120 reef with a black leopard and candycan hogfish among others. Get's along great. Has a great shape to her. I'll search for a picture tonight.

 

[A sea K]

Don't know how trustworthy that quote is, as well as fish are relatively individualistic in that there are no guarnatees that they'll function as intended.

Melanurus definately are up there in terms of looks, i had a hard time deciding between ornatissimus christmas wrasse or that (got the one that came in first to the LFS).

However, i'd like to know how well halichoeres wrasses do with other halichorese wrasses, in a tank the size of the OPs.. (say 120). Agression ?

I don't have H. melanurus but I do have H. chrysurus, H. biocellatus, and H. iridus in a 210 gal. They certainly have a pecking order but no outright aggression amongst them and they have been together for quite awhile now.

 

[WestTexasReefer]

I have one in my 300 with 7 other fairy and flasher wrasses. Gets along with all of them and doesn't bother my inverts. He is constantly cruising the rock work picking away. A great fish to have IMO.

 

[WuHT]

yes mine basically stays 4" above any substrate/rockwork looking for things to bite.

 

[serval]

My ornate wrasse is a bit of a bully. I keep hoping it's teenage rebellion. It chases the small gobies in the tank and has harassed a Hector's to the point where it will not leave a rock crevice now. Naturally, I'm worried for the Hector's health, but getting it out is impossible at this point.

 

[PapaKlix]

very cool wrasse, i had one and it dove like a pelican into the sand bed to sleep at night!