McCoskers in a nano

[donut0079]

I got a McCoskers Wrasse about 8 Months ago for my 29 gallon biocube. I read mixed info on here and other sites on tank size. It was only after he was already established that I saw that most people on here do not recommend them for small tanks. It was a little surprising given that my experience so far has been very positive and he does not seem to be limited in movement by tank size. Could this be due to a) decently high flow in my tank (30 x tank volume) b) he has reverted a bit from being mostly male and only rarely flashes (not concerned of this as I expected it). Let me know if anyone has had similar experiences with this fish as he has grown to be by far my favorite fish and anything that makes him more comfortable is appreciated.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

A male McCosker's is on my list of next to get fish. Do you have any pictures of yours?

My experience with flasher wrasse was a Carpenter's and honestly it stayed in one small section of the tank with exception to feeding time. I would think the McCosker's would be similar? Tell me about how yours is personality and attitude towards other fish.

 

[donut0079]

I can get a picture tonight as all of the ones I have are old. I have found him to be very peaceful. I have had some issues with him being picked on by my clown but since he has gained a little weight he is more confident and roams the tank freely without fear of the clown. For the most part he is cautious and retreats to the rock work if startled but is an active feeder and likes swimming in the current of my MP10. I would say he is very comparable to the carpenters I've seen but most of them were at LFS so it's tough to say definitively.

 

[JakeK]

I have a male McCosker in my 29 biocube. Other members here have hinted that my tank is too small by questioning how active he is and how often he flashes. He swims constantly and flashes regularly throughout the day but most often in the evenings. Every night i watch him dance around the tank.

I am upgrading to a 93 gallon tank where he will have much more swimming room but that upgrade was never planned for when i purchased him. If i could do it over again i would still purchase one.

 

[evolved]

Paracheilinus really need a tank of at least 3 feet in length. It's not a volume issue, but when they really get to doin' their thing, they need the lateral swimming space.

If you've seen how they behave in a larger tank, you end up "crampin' their style" in a shorter tank. That's not to say they won't survive in a smaller tank, but they also won't be able to strive either.

 

[donut0079]

Is that only during flashing or regular swimming because the normal swimming motion seems to be rather patient and methodical.

 

[Deinonych]

Paracheilinus really need a tank of at least 3 feet in length. It's not a volume issue, but when they really get to doin' their thing, they need the lateral swimming space.

If you've seen how they behave in a larger tank, you end up "crampin' their style" in a shorter tank. That's not to say they won't survive in a smaller tank, but they also won't be able to strive either.

+1

My McCosker's is all over the tank, same with my Blue Flasher before he decided to kamikaze one of my MP40s.

 

[MondoBongo]

+1

My McCosker's is all over the tank, same with my Blue Flasher before he decided to kamikaze one of my MP40s.

+2

before my Carpenter's sadly met his end carpet surfing, he used every single inch of my 4' long 75 gallon, and i feel like he would have appreciated even more room.

 

[donut0079]

That is the one thing I like with my set up is that there is not a concern of jumping due to the hood. I hear that they have quite a reputation for it.

 

[snorvich]

Paracheilinus really need a tank of at least 3 feet in length. It's not a volume issue, but when they really get to doin' their thing, they need the lateral swimming space.

If you've seen how they behave in a larger tank, you end up "crampin' their style" in a shorter tank. That's not to say they won't survive in a smaller tank, but they also won't be able to strive either.

+3 and be aware they are prolific jumpers.

 

[Duke4life]

My 125 is 6ft long and my carpenter uses every bit of it

 

[MondoBongo]

That is the one thing I like with my set up is that there is not a concern of jumping due to the hood. I hear that they have quite a reputation for it.

I had nearly all of my tank covered with a screen top save for an area by the overflow where the hob overflow box needed to exit the tank. Somehow he found that itty bitty space and made it through. Very sad. He was an awesome fish with a huge personality.

 

[snorvich]

If you have an opening, they will find it.

 

[Rybren]

My young one made it through the 1/4 inch mesh top and on to the floor.

 

[oldbones]

My McCoskers cruises the entirety of my 34" 56g tank. When he gets a move on, he covers that length in the blink of an eye. I have a 29g across the room, no way I'd put him in there.

 

[donut0079]

this is my McCoskers.

 

[Deinonych]

Definitely looks like he has reverted to sub-male. My Blue Flasher (may he rest in peace) did that when he was the only wrasse in the tank. Once I added my McCosker's, he went back to terminal phase, although not as "full". His filaments never returned to their original thickness and always looked too flimsy. He could sure put on a show, though...looked like he had electricity running through him. The McCosker's has remained in terminal phase since I got him over a year ago.

 

[donut0079]

Yeah his filament disappeared after about a month or two. He still flashes his blue streaks once in a while but his personality is great and is still a fun fish to have. I hope eventually when I get around to a big tank to keep one with a harem.

 

[oldbones]

Mine seems to love showing off for my Purple Firefish...

 

[snorvich]

Yeah his filament disappeared after about a month or two. He still flashes his blue streaks once in a while but his personality is great and is still a fun fish to have. I hope eventually when I get around to a big tank to keep one with a harem.

Having different species (male) is just as effective for evoking flashing behavior.