Help me pick a wrasse!

[dixiedog]

Here are my candidates! Tank is a 40B, with a 125 in the works. I have a 2" sand bed and a mesh cover.

From LA's descriptions, the differences between these wrasses would seem minor, aside from appearances. Anyone have a favorite, or one to avoid for some reason?

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1378+355&pcatid=355

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+386&pcatid=386

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+2675&pcatid=2675

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+2997&pcatid=2997

 

[gofor100]

I've heard the Mystery wrasse can be quite aggressive (but then others not batting an eye at other fish).

The only two I've had experiences with is the Vrolik's and Yellow wrasse. Both are great fish that add a ton of movement and color to your tank. They also get along with each other and all other fish in the tank, so no aggression worries there.

I'd pick between those two depending on what colors you're needing in the tank.

Good luck!

-Chad

 

[dixiedog]

I've heard the Mystery wrasse can be quite aggressive (but then others not batting an eye at other fish).

The only two I've had experiences with is the Vrolik's and Yellow wrasse. Both are great fish that add a ton of movement and color to your tank. They also get along with each other and all other fish in the tank, so no aggression worries there.

I'd pick between those two depending on what colors you're needing in the tank.

Good luck!

-Chad

Thanks!

You had/have a Vrolik's and a yellow together? What size tank? That would be awesome ...

 

[gofor100]

In my current tank (about 187 gallons)... they are pretty sociable fish and don't seem to mind each other at all. Not sure if that would be the case in a smaller tank though.

-Chad

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

the last three are all pretty chill but will go after hermits, snails, and maybe shrimp. The mystery wrasse is just MEAN.

I have 2 Halichoeres genus wrasse in my 125g and now issues.

 

[dixiedog]

No hermits or shrimp here .... How big a snail will these fellas take out??

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

they "may" each fish is different. My melarunus destroys hermits but doesn't care about snails, and my iridis is not fully grown so he leaves everything alone. I've heard they can though.

 

[youngguns27]

I am getting a melarunus wrasse for my 180 because it can take care of pests. I also like the mystery wrasse but it can take out ornamental shrimp if they aren't established.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I have a vroliks wrasse and they are beautiful and a great addition to a reef tank.

 

[hogfanreefer]

I have a vroliks wrasse and they are beautiful and a great addition to a reef tank.

Beautiful fish! That or the Gray Head is at the top of my list. Just can't find one right now.

Where did you get yours?

 

[youngguns27]

Beautiful fish! That or the Gray Head is at the top of my list. Just can't find one right now.

Where did you get yours?

Yea very nice fish

 

[evolved]

FWIW,, vroliks and melanurus are the same species.

 

[dixiedog]

FWIW,, vroliks and melanurus are the same species.

Thank you, I didn't realize that! That'll help a lot with searches. :thumbsup:

 

[dixiedog]

FWIW,, vroliks and melanurus are the same species.

Okay, wait a sec, I think you might be mistaken. I'm seeing two different species here?

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+2997&pcatid=2997

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+2285&pcatid=2285

 

[evolved]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2177795&highlight=vroliks

 

[saltyair]

yellow wrasse is my favorite - close second long fin flasher wrasse

 

[hogfanreefer]

Evolved, any idea where the one's like pictured above originate? The "Vroliks" is a much more attractive fish to me.

Do you think the Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura and Cirrhilabrus lyukyuensis are regional variants of the same species also? They sure look even more alike than melanurus and Vroliks do. Thanks for all the info on my now favorite group of fish.

 

[evolved]

Evolved, any idea where the one's like pictured above originate? The "Vroliks" is a much more attractive fish to me.

I've been unable to nail that down; sorry.

Do you think the Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura and Cirrhilabrus lyukyuensis are regional variants of the same species also?

They were re-classified all under C. cyanopleura a couple years ago now. C. lyukyuensis is no longer an official species.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

Beautiful fish! That or the Gray Head is at the top of my list. Just can't find one right now.

Where did you get yours?

Thank you for the compliment. It came from divers den and I dont believe it's the same species as the melanarus.

 

[dixiedog]

So, will a single Vrolik's/melanurus become/stay a male then, is that how it woks? Hogfan, yours is male, right?

I'm reading that the alpha female in a harem starts acting male almost immediately after their male is taken out. Fascinating.