Laboutei fairy question...

[EllisJuan]

Liveaquaria has large laboutei fairy wrasses on sale for $100. I like the coloration of the male better. Do females kept alone without a male ever take on the coloration of the males?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Yes, they usually transition to males. Just bear in mind labouti wrasses have a tendancy to be aggressive toward other fairy and flasher wrasses.

 

[EllisJuan]

Yes, they usually transition to males. Just bear in mind labouti wrasses have a tendancy to be aggressive toward other fairy and flasher wrasses.

Thanks. I actually just picked up a Carpenter today. I always thought Fairys and Flashers got along OK. Maybe I need to rethink this.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Once the other fairy and flasher wrasses get established adding the more aggressive labouti is usually fine. Some use acclimation boxes to socially acclimate new additions.

 

[evolved]

Thanks. I actually just picked up a Carpenter today. I always thought Fairys and Flashers got along OK. Maybe I need to rethink this.

In general yes, but there are certain species exceptions.

 

[EllisJuan]

In general yes, but there are certain species exceptions.

Thanks for chiming in Evloved. I have read a lot of your posts concerning wrasses. I am looking for a real stunner of a wrasse that is easy to care for, does not bury in sand, and would be peaceful with the rest of my tank....I know isn't everybody?...lol Any suggestions?

Current inhabitants:
A pair of Picasso Clowns
Midas Blenny
Tailspot Blenny
Red Scooter Blenny
Randall's Goby
Carpenter Wrasse
Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse

 

[Marshall O]

How about a C. lubbocki? Very underrated Fairy Wrasse.

 

[eatbreakfast]

For just a little more than a labouti, a male rhomboid is truly beautiful and one of the more peaceful species.

 

[EllisJuan]

For just a little more than a labouti, a male rhomboid is truly beautiful and one of the more peaceful species.

Wow, that guy is a real stunner, but $250 is a little more than I was looking to spend. Honestly the $100 that the laboutei is on sale for was about the most I was wanting to spend...maybe a bit more.

 

[Mike S]

I just had to evict one from my tank. He generally wasn't too bad with the existing wrasses but when I put an orange back with an acclimation box he continued to charge at the box for over a day and wasn't letting up. Beautiful fish though.

 

[the808state]

laboutei will be fine with carpenters. Males are actually pretty passive compared to females of other species. Meanest fairy wrasse i've ever seen was a female lineatus (more than once)

Never had a problem with Male Labouteis

 

[Marshall O]

I guess I should chime in that I have had my terminal male for just about a year now. Currently in my 125 along with 10 other Wrasses. I have added 7 Wrasses to this tank after he was well established. I do use an acclimation box, but no issues from him. Most of my Fairy & Flasher Wrasses are much smaller than him, so I am sure that makes a difference. The only one he chases from time to time is my C. bathyphilus. Usually once a month and that is it. Otherwise, gets along fine with everyone. He would not be hard to catch if I ever had to, as I have already caught him twice on accident in my feeding net. I will tell you that he jumps the most out of any of my Wrasses. Every night he hits my mesh tops at least once.

So I guess the point is, each fish is unique. If you do get one, have a backup plan if things go sour. Acclimation box is a must. Tank must be 100% covered with mesh; no glass. HTH

 

[solitude127]

So I guess the point is, each fish is unique. If you do get one, have a backup plan if things go sour. Acclimation box is a must. Tank must be 100% covered with mesh; no glass. HTH

+1 on the acclimation box. Always try to put the more aggressive fish in the acclimation box and let the new fish acclimate to the DT tank. I kept my labouti in an acclimation box for 10 days while my hooded wrasse got used to his new home.