Specific recommendation needed: Christmas vs. Exquisite wrasses

[phishlet]

I'm considering having my LFS order me either a 3 inch Exquisite wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus) or 3 inch Christmas Ornate wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus). I really like both fish but am leaning towards the Christmas wrasse.

The fish would go in my 125. I already have a Hawaiian 4 line, solarensis and flasher wrasse. I'd like some input on the following:

1) Which one is more highly recommended to associate well with the above listed fish?

2) Which one is more hardy?

3) I've heard plenty of mixed information about the Christmas Ornate wrasse. Some say certainly reef safe, others say not reef safe at all while others say coral safe but not invert safe. Your experiences please.

Post pictures too if you have one.

Thanks

 

[CrazyLionfish]

1) I think they'd both do fine with your above listed fish

2) Sorry to say again, I think they're about the same on hardiness as well.

3) No personal experience here, but just from the body shape and mouth shape of Halichoeres wrasses I'd say they are more inclined to bug crabs, snails, clams, other inverts and many websites have them listed as "with caution". Compared to the exquisite wrasse which is 99.99999% reef safe.

 

[phishlet]

Thanks. Anybody else? Any pictures?

 

[Fishfirst]

my x-mas wrasse liked the taste of starfish

 

[phishlet]

What kind of starfish did it like? Are you talking the big linkia stars or just the little white stars that seem to appear in everyone's tanks.

 

[phishlet]

The LFS store now has both in stock so I have to make my decision. Ornate or Exquisite?

 

[phishlet]

I couldn't decide... so I bought both. Both look really nice. I just put them in the tank after a long acclimation and all my lights are out and the fish have hidden in the rock work. I'll try to get pics soon.