Keeping flashers and fairies

[sponger0]

Im setting up a new tank in a few months. My plan was to make it mostly a wrasse tank.

Its going to be a Deep Blue 80 gallon

I wanted to mix a carpenter and 2 or 3 flame wrasses. Is this going to work?

 

[evolved]

It should, provided the tank is completely covered with 1/4" mesh.

 

[sponger0]

I was thinking it should be but I was told they would fight to the death

And I was planning a mesh top

 

[Kole Tang]

No, they will not fight to the death unless you have more than one flame. The flasher is more shy should not cause problems.

Take note that the flames have a track record of turning male even when there already is a dominant male present.

 

[evolved]

I was thinking it should be but I was told they would fight to the death

And I was planning a mesh top

No, fairys and flashers (Cirrhilabrus & Paracheilinus) can and will live peacefully amongst themselves. They will establish a hierarchy and squabble on occasion, but it's unlikely much more will come of that.

Take note that the flames have a track record of turning male even when there already is a dominant male present.

Correct, keeping female flames female isn't an easy task, despite the best efforts. You might end up with multiple males, and then it's possible you might have a victor and victims one day...

 

[sponger0]

So would it be a good idea to just keep one flame and some other fairies?

 

[evolved]

I would consider that a better option if it's something you are open to.

 

[sponger0]

Problem with that is I already have the carpenters and getting kinda attached to him lol.

 

[evolved]

You can still have Paracheilinus (flashers) alongside multiple Cirrhilabrus (fairys).

 

[sponger0]

You can still have Paracheilinus (flashers) alongside multiple Cirrhilabrus (fairys).

Thanks evolved. You always have the answer when it comes to wrasses.

I have another question about them for you. Did you learn from experience or do you have any books you can recommend for wrasses? Its my favorite fish and would really like some reading material on them.

 

[evolved]

Experience & the collective experience of others really.

Rudie Kuiter has a couple decent books on them; the more recent supposedly being much better although I've never seen it. It was only printed in a few short runs.

Scott Michael has one as well, but I do prefer Kuiter's over his.

And anything Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka has to say is as good as anything.