Rare of interesting Six-line alternative.

[chasekwe]

Suppose to be "Rare OR interesting Six-line alternative."

Hi folks,

Just finalizing my fish list for the tank I'm currently building. It's just over 33g and will feature a BTA, clowns and a mantis shrimp.

I'd like to add one other fish that will stay small MAX 4", 3" would be better that performs the same role as a six-line wrasse. Consuming pests and quick moving so as not to become mantis food. Additionally, an opposing color spectrum to the RBTA and orange/black coloring of the clowns would be preferable. Basically any color outside of the orange/red spectrum.

If I don't get any viable suggestions I'll just go with the six-line as it's a relatively ideal choice but I wanted to ask the fish experts and see if there is anything else out there with more "WOW" factor. Nothing else in the tank will be particularly rare or special so I was hoping to have this role filled here. Any fish family that will get along with the other inhabitants is fine, pygmy angels or puffers, basslets, wrasses... whatever, so long as it'll do what I'd like it to do.


Thanks folks, your suggestions are appreciated!

 

[LisaD]

I'd go with the six line. Mine was a model citizen in a 25, never bothered a thing. Are you sure you want a mantis in there with the fish? I think that's going to be a huge risk.

 

[cubsFAN]

4 line

 

[nikon187]

how about a cryptic sixline wrasse? Thats a little different

 

[IFbettas]

Possum wrasse (wetmorella nigropinnata) or yellow coris (halichoeres chrysus).

 

[zemuron114]

possum wrasses are [profanity]. I would highly suggest those over a 6-line. A mystery would be my other choice.

 

[zooty]

how about a cryptic sixline wrasse? Thats a little different

We have one. Also called Pink-streaked wrasse Pseudocheilinops ataenia

I also like the possum and 4 lined and 12 lined

 

[skibum9884]

I am thinking that small fish with a mantis is a bad idea. I think it's pretty likely they'll go "missing" at night....

Even active fish aren't too active after lights out.

 

[wang949]

I had a G.Smithii for a year. (a "smasher" mantis). There are NO fish safe from them!

 

[edwing206]

Possum wrasse (wetmorella nigropinnata) or yellow coris (halichoeres chrysus).

Possums are one of my favorite fish EVER. They are great for reef tanks and awesome to watch.

 

[ricde]

I was thinking a possum wrasse too but with the clown pair, you'll rarely see it. They are very shy and don't do well with aggressive fish. Also small fish hiding in the rock + mantis shrimp = expensive snack.

 

[JDMhoes]

I love the colors more on the 4line than 6line..

 

[L8 2 RISE]

My suggestions have all been taken:

cryptic sixline wrasse

Possum wrasse (wetmorella nigropinnata)

mystery wrasse

also, check out some hogfish, they are really cool.