Keeping a Wrasse in SPS Tank
- Thread starter dan-in-gr
- Start date
Gyr
New member
I really enjoy having my H. Melanurus wrasse in my tank. He is safe with regards to SPS, they reportedly eat snails. I have seen mine pick a small shelled creature off the rock work from time to time and then flick it against the rock or glass and then eat the innards, but he has never gone after my benificial "clean up crew" snails. He is very attractive, active and fun to watch. They like to burrow in sand during the night, but I don't know if sand bottom tank is an absolute requirement. I have a shallow sand bed and mine sleeps in the pile my sand-sifting goby has outside his cave (also a cool fish to have, keeps the sand white).
A word of caution. Wrasses jump. I had a two spot hog fish (a wrasse) in my tank for over a year, then one morning he was dead on the ground. I put an 8-inch 'skirt' around the top of my tank and no further deaths.
Good luck
returnofsid
New member
IMO, a Wrasse is one of the most beneficial fish to keep, in an SPS tank, along with a Tang, if said tank is large enough.
Wrasse will control pesky bugs, while the Tang will control pesky algae.
Wrasse will control pesky bugs, while the Tang will control pesky algae.
mnchartier
Premium Member
I have a Melanurus and a Mystery Wrasse in my 90. I have watched the Melanurus knock some astrea snails off the glass but I have not seen him actually eat any of them and I have not noticed a change in my CUC. Both of these wrasses are always out and about hunting for food. I am not sure where my Melanurus sleeps, he disappears in a cave a few minutes before the lights go out, I do have a decent amount of sand probably about 5" at the back of the tank and fades to about 3" in the front of the tank.
soonerpuffer
Member
I have mccosker, yellow coris and lubbock wrasse in my 90g. Excellent crew for cleaning the bugs.
Whisperer
New member
I got a secretive wrasse because I had infestation of pyramiddelid snails that killed several clams. For a long time, my 2 remaining clams were placed high up in a makeshift shelf to protect from them. I just placed one back in the substrate because I do not see any pyramiddelid snails at night anymore. Secretive wrasse has a nice reddish-pinkish color with very fine striations along it's body. It is also said that they eat flatworms.
jc-reef
New member
I have a 6 line in my 90 along with a yellow & blue hippo tang and a lawnmower. The 6 line always is on the go zooming in and out of the rock and keeping corals clean. He/She is to quick to worry about being picked on by others. The 2 tangs occationally get into it, but all tank mates get along for the most part.
I agree with the rest that a wrasse is a benefitial addition.
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I agree with the rest that a wrasse is a benefitial addition.
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westreef
Lost as usual
I have a 6-line for 11 years. It gets along with a sailfin, purple tang and a flame angel. In fact, 10 years ago I found him jumped out of the tank lying on the carpet. I quickly put it back and it is now as healthy as I first bought him. I agree, it is very beneficial to keep the bugs in check. :uzi:
