Hoeven's Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) questions

[Kahuna Tuna]

I know a few folks here keep these and I was wondering a few things about this species. I love this genus but am a little worried about this fish with a clean up crew, especially the snails. I keep my display well fed but I dont want another wrasse that is going to decimate my clean up crew and then be near impossible to get out of the system (red coris, what a nightmare). I'm also wondering how they get along in a community tank. I keep a few passive fish (dartfish and filefish) and dont need any bullies either. I also keep some bruisers (tangs, angels, rabbits) and need a fish that can stand up in a busy tank.

I was also wondering how this species would get along with other wrasses, especially fairy wrasses. I currently keep a Cirrhilabrus luteovittatus red velvet wrasse and getting along with this fish is important. I was also wondering how they fair as a pair or harem. This species seems to have a lot of traits going for it, small size, looks, but I am wondering if they are reef safe at all. TIA

 

[cubsFAN]

These fish are pretty hard on clean up crews. It gets along fine in my 75 gal tank with 2 occ. clowns, african flame back angel, bangaii cardinal and tail spot blenny. I have him to take care of my vermitiid snail and planaria issue. He is doing an ok job, but spends just as much time killing desirable critters. It is a very active fish and pretty large. He has settled down now, but when I first put him into the 75, he looked cramped. He buries himself and turns over frags in the sand. I would say he would be very difficult to catch. I plan on getting mine out soon. I would say not reef safe.

 

[mnchartier]

I have one in my 90 now for about 8 months. I have 2 tomato clowns, 1 cardinal, 1 royal gramma, yellow watchman, and a mystery wrasse. I have not had any issues with my clean up crew. I got the Hoeven from a member of my local club and was already about 5". and is close to 6" now. Very active, fish always out and about.

That is the mystery you can see faintly below.

Edit: My CUC consists of red and blue hermits, mexican turbos, astreas, and nassarius snails

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

Thanks for the info that was exactly what I needed to hear. What an amazing looking fish, just beautiful.

 

[mnchartier]

Thanks oh and I forgot I have a few emerald crabs also.

 

[steelcity]

I had a 4" female who ate everything under the sun. She would not bother with the CUC at all (crabs, shrimp, and snails). I had about a 5" male temminik in the tank with it and they could care less. Awesome fish. Needs sand and a top on your tank.