Sixline wrasse

[CoralKing]

I'm thinking of adding a sixline wrasse to help control the bristleworm population. Are they generally reef-safe?
Additionally, are they aggressive toward other fish, such as tangs, antias, and clownfish? I have a small neon goby in the tank, and am concerned that the wrasse may show aggression.

Thanks

 

[rickh]

Many people consider them peaceful, but they can develop a mean streak as they age. Like me I like the Carpenter's Flasher wrasse better. R

 

[ReefBuilderNJ]

i would go with an orchid dottyback instead. i have a six line that beats up every new fish in my tank including his reflection..lol. yes they are aggressive!

 

[FishNutzBoi]

I broke down my 75G just to get my sixline out... Killed 2 cleaner shrimps and a royal gramma; beat up a mandarin... He used to be so peaceful... til he turned WILD. I would not recommend this fish to any peaceful community tank unless he's added last

PS. Sixlines don't pick on big fish. They only pick on fish that are almost their size. Although, on some occasion, i've seen mine pecking on my hutchii anthias and blue tang

 

[CoralKing]

Thanks for the info.

Would a carpenter's flasher wrasse or orchid dottyback also help control the bristleworm population?

Also, I've read that dottybacks might be aggressive toward smaller fish - I have a small neon goby (<1 inch), would the dottyback pose a problem?


Thanks

 

[fras]

I have a sixline and concur with what others have said that they can be extremely aggressive, I wouldn't really recommend one. If you're after bristleworm control how about something like a longnose hawk - probably the most characterful fish I have owned and ime very peaceful.

 

[CoralKing]

I would consider a longnose hawk, but am concerned he would bother my cleaner shrimp and neon goby

 

[Phyxius]

We have one in our 90. He was a model citizen when we first got him and then he changed over night after a yr in the tank. He has gone after our clowns and torn their fins up pretty good and recently has started going after our Manderin. Luckily the Mandarin stays out of site during the day and forages at night now.

Going to pull the rock out at night he sleeps in and hopefully trade him in.

 

[jpslickorocks]

Yeah I have a sixline and I am wishing I didn't. I am getting ready to buy a pair of zebra angels and the male has spectacular streamers. I am afraid the sixline will make short work of those.

 

[TitoTee]

So much for Foster & Smith saying they are peaceful!

 

[CoralKing]

I think the orchid dottyback may be a better selection, as it may be more peaceful toward the other fish. Has anyone had experience with these fish?

 

[thebicyclecafe]

I have a sixline and it is very peaceful. I think that it varies from fish to fish but from what I have seen my sixline does not attack other fish, it is housed with a yellow tang, a percula, and a blue damsel. It is also a good scavenger that picks off a lot of flatworms.