Royal Gramma and Fourline Wrasse

[MantisLvr]

I have a 40 breeder reef tank with 50+ pounds of live rock with a royal gramma that is pushing 3 inches and three green chromis. I also have a fourline or as some call them twelve line wrasse in QT. I have read all kinds of people having problems with their grammas and sixlines. There's not alot mentioned about four/twelveline wrasses and their compatibility with grammas. Was wanting opinion on these two don't want to make a mistake. Any input appreciated and thanks!

 

[ThRoewer]

From what I've heard all Pseudocheilinus species are the same kind of jerks. Though I have no experience on how well the play with Gramma.
Given that they come from different oceans I would not expect any inherent animosities like they have with mandarins.

BTW, I found that Gramma do better in a group. I have a trio together with a Starcki damsel and the Gramma usually stay together to make it harder for the damsel to attack them.

 

[snorvich]

From what I've heard all Pseudocheilinus species are the same kind of jerks.

Except the Pink-Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia) which is not.

 

[MantisLvr]

Anyone else have an opinion about these two species getting along? Or experience with them?

 

[ThRoewer]

Except the Pink-Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia) which is not.

It's a different genus.

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[evolved]

It's a different genus.

But a very close cousin. Still worth mentioning it's not at all like it's cousins in temperament.

As for Pseudocheilinus, yes - they'll pretty much all the same when it comes to attitude. You might want to rethink your plan.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Most of the horror stories I've heard were about dottybacks beating the life out of six line wrasses. If you went through the trouble of QT your wrasse it's worth giving it a try. Worst case scenario you trap it and sell it to LFS for store credit.

 

[Deinonych]

Most of the horror stories I've heard were about dottybacks beating the life out of six line wrasses. If you went through the trouble of QT your wrasse it's worth giving it a try. Worst case scenario you trap it and sell it to LFS for store credit.

Except dottybacks and grammas have completely different personalities. Grammas are generally peaceful, whereas dottybacks can be very aggressive (some more than others). Adding the Pseudocheilinus is unlikely to end well.

 

[ThRoewer]

Pseudochromis are not as bad as Pictichromis, which are really the devil's spawn.

 

[MantisLvr]

Don't want to have to trap it would be impossible. With 50+ pounds of live rock in a 40 breeder no room for trap. Plus I would have to take apart entire tank to get it out most likely. I don't want to do that either so now I think I just wasted my money. Fish are not returnable for even credit where I got it from.

 

[Deinonych]

Maybe check with your local reef club to see if someone will take it.

 

[ThRoewer]

I would just wait and see how it works out. If the tank is diverse enough they may get along.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Plus I would have to take apart entire tank to get it out most likely.

Yeah don't it. It's a pain. The biggest redeeming factor is that your gramma and chromis are established. However, many lined wrasses can be big jerks and go after established residents. I've experienced it not just with a six line wrasse but also with a 2.5 inch pain in the neck Lubbocks fairy wrasse that was harassing a juvenile pair of clowns in a 40 breeder.
That said, if I went through the trouble of buying a fish and putting it through QT I would be willing to give it a chance. I have a fish trap and know how to catch pretty much any fish, except some gobies. Some gobies are so shy they'd rather starve to death than go into a fish trap for food. But wrasses are very food driven despite their oftentimes shy nature. A few days of no feeding they will go right into a trap.
But it seems like you are being a little more risk adverse in this case and might be leaning towards getting rid of it. Whatever you decide, good luck.

 

[Deinonych]

If it were a larger tank, it might be worth a try. I wouldn't in a 40B though. YMMV.

 

[ThRoewer]

If you really want it out and can't catch it, just leave the cover open - wrasses are notorious jumpers. You will just have to camp out next to the tank to collect him in time.
Though I found traps with a mirror or barbless hooks more effective.

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[MantisLvr]

Would like to keep it just a little nervous about giving it a try. Is there anyone out there that has had success in keeping them together in a tank the size of mine or is it all negative experiences?

 

[ThRoewer]

If it is still in QT and you don't want to give it a try you might want to try if you can find someone who might want that fish.