Melanurus Wrasse Care

[aaron1987]

I can't seem to find much in the way of definitive answers to this on google so I figured I'd give you fine folks a shot. I've been looking to get a wrasse for my 47gal and have been eyeballing the Melanurus. I'd be looking to get one on the smaller side but am concerned about the dimension of my aquarium, as it's a column (20x18x30"). I plan on upgrading over the course of the next year to something in the 150g range but don't want to use that as an excuse to buy a fish that is going to be entirely too large for the column. I know some fish don't seem to mind the predominantly vertical dimension, but have also run into others that go crazy. Anyone with experience able to chime in?

Here's a pic of the tank so you can get a feel for swimming room:

 

[SirToppemHat]

Mine is quite large. I wouldn't put them in a tank smaller than 4'. You may be ok, if you're upgrading within 6 months or so. Great fish btw, very active. Nice tank ^.

 

[RichK]

I had one in my 125 for a few years and judging by it's activity level, I think your tank is too small at the moment. Mine also grew pretty quick from 3" to over 5". It will eat shrimp. You may think all is well, but when the shrimp molts, the wrasse will move in for the kill. Mine ate a couple pretty big skunk cleaner shrimp. If you are set on a melanurus, I would wait until you upgrade.

 

[t4zalews]

I have mine in my 65g, 36x18x24, he does just fine. Is fat and happy. Not as big of swimmers as other wrasses