Multiple halichoeres wrasses in same tank

[degibson84]

I just added a yellow coris and was wondering if I could add another from the same haliechores family. Not another yellow but maybe a melanurus or Christmas

 

[eatbreakfast]

It is most certainly possible. H. chrysus is one of the most peaceful members of the Genus and is quite tolerant of other congenerics. A melanurus would be fine as will likely most Halichoeres commonly called christmas wrasses. H. biocellatus is the most peaceful choice, but H. claudia would work too. Some have noted aggression from H. ornatissmus toward other wrasses, but I personally have not had an issue.

 

[evolved]

It is most certainly possible. H. chrysus is one of the most peaceful members of the Genus and is quite tolerant of other congenerics. A melanurus would be fine as will likely most Halichoeres commonly called christmas wrasses. H. biocellatus is the most peaceful choice, but H. claudia would work too. Some have noted aggression from H. ornatissmus toward other wrasses, but I personally have not had an issue.

Agree with all of this.

I will add, however, that in my experience mixing various Halichoeres is a bit of a mixed bag and unpredictable. It doesn't always work (but usually can), and there is not much consistency between what species are okay with what others - it's more a matter of individual attitudes.

 

[degibson84]

Would size of system matter? My tank is 220

 

[eatbreakfast]

A larger tank certainly increases the chances for success.

Halichoeres is a big catch all Genus that will at some point be several different Genera. I have found that certain complexes, which will likely be their own Genus, are more likely to tolerate other Halichoeres wrasses as a rule, while other complexes follow their individual personality. H. chrysus is in the Biochoeres group, which in my experience is the most likely to tolerate others, H. biocellatus also is in this complex. H. melanurus is in the Platyglossus complex, some do well with other Halichoeres, some have murderous intentions toward other Halichoeres wrasses.

 

[degibson84]

So a biocellatus may be a better option over a melanurus

 

[eatbreakfast]

So a biocellatus may be a better option over a melanurus

IME, yes, melanurus, may likely work too, but I think there is a higher probability of success with biocellatus.

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

I've had no issues with my melarunus and my irids

 

[degibson84]

I think I'm gojng to try a melanurus. I can get one for 15 compared to 30 for a biocellatus

 

[hogfanreefer]

I've had no problems with my three (Chrysus, Chrysotaenia and Claudia). The Vrolik's and Claudia display at each other at times but that is the extent of the aggression. The Chrysus just constantly roams the tank hunting for pods and minding his own business.

Wonderful genus.

 

[Triggerfish]

I just added a yellow coris and was wondering if I could add another from the same haliechores family. Not another yellow but maybe a melanurus or Christmas

kept both in a 75g with no issues.

 

[degibson84]

So I received the melanurus yesterday and it is either juvenile or female.

So I have both female/juvenile yellow coris and melanurus.


Will they both turn male since the are different species or will one turn male and the other stay female since they are cogeners

 

[eatbreakfast]

So I received the melanurus yesterday and it is either juvenile or female.

So I have both female/juvenile yellow coris and melanurus.


Will they both turn male since the are different species or will one turn male and the other stay female since they are cogeners

Most likely they will both transition to male. On occasion there are instances of one remaining female, but far more of both transitioning.

 

[Wrench]

I successfully kept a pair of malanarus with a yellow wrasse for several years. IME this family is less aggressive than the fairy wrasses (Cirrhilabrus sp.).