Mystery Wrasse

[Markilles]

Hi I am considering getting a mystery wrasse for my 65 and was wondering peoples experiences with them. I have been told by 1 or 2 people that they can get really aggressive and cause alot of problems but they had never kept one. Do they deserve this reputation, because they are an awesome looking fish.

 

[Gill_bucket]

I have one and it is one of my favorite fish!!! If I ever downsize this is one fish I would have to keep. That being said my tank is a 125 and fairly aggressive so in a different setup I guess you might have issues with aggression, IE if you had firefish and anyhow they might get chased??? I have also read that they can eat shrimp but so far so good for me. This really is one of the most amazing fish our hobby has to offer, definitely worth the risk IMO.

 

[redwingrob40]

They are def really pretty fish. I had one that was super aggressive, he ate a small clownfish and went after shrimp as well. Needless to say he had to go, but from others experiences that I have heard they can be okay. IMO they are hit or miss with their temperament. They are pretty fish good luck with whatever you decide. Btw I had mine in a 55 so maybe they would be Okay in a bigger tank????

 

[jt_milstead]

They can get very aggressive, and can be jumpers. I have also seen pictures of some large male specimens, and they can get ugly...

 

[Hormigaquatica]

Mine has been pretty low key. It will harass new additions to the tank for about 10 minutes, and that's the end of it. He is a pretty big boy, and completely ignores my cardinals, blenny, other wrasses, and peppermint shrimp (though I suspect it's only because the shrimp have managed to stay hidden well enough). My anthias and angel push him around a little bit, but overall the tank is pretty chill.

 

[JSeymour]

I have one and love him, but truth is, it's a wrasse with a large mouth. Mine loves most types of snails. He doesn't seem to be able to eat Astrea and Trochus snails. If you feed it enough, predation will be minimal. I think they're worth it.

 

[Markilles]

thanks for you replies I think I will go for one, even if they can be disturbers of they peace sounds like they are worth it. I guess I should wait to add him last then?

 

[redwingrob40]

What other fish do you intend to stock in your tank? You could put him in last, but IMO it depends what other critters you plan on having. If you plan on stocking other semi aggressive fish it may not matter, but I'd you plan on stocking some more peaceful fish then last maybe better.

 

[bLac2]

I've had mine for about a year now and no aggression towards our shrimp or other fish mates. It's an open top and he's never jumped nor have we ever seen him as much as "chase" another inhabitant. He peacefully cruises the currents all day and "hangs" out a lot with our atlantic blue tang (who is about the size of a U.S. fifty cent piece). Like it was stated a few posts up, I believe it as well to be their aggressive nature comes from who tank mates you already have. This is one of the most peaceful fish as well as the most aggressive, just depends on who you want him to live with I'd definately get one, they are beautiful and very personable. Hope this helps

 

[chercm]

It ate my cleaner shrimp and neon goby

 

[sandhog]

I have as well, He is no trouble now that he chased my prized helfrichi fire fish out of the tank. My wife came home to find him dried up on the ground with our cat next to it. Was my favorite fish.