Stocking flasher wrasses

[Timbor]

Hi there,

I was wondering what opionions were about stocking flasher wrasses in a reef setup.

I read this article http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/ht/index.php
and it was suggested that you could keep several species in a smaller tank (although the details about actual recommended stocking levels were vague).

My display is a 35 (36"x12"x18"), and currently has no fish. I was wondering what stocking levels you would recommend for flashers in this setup. I just bought what appears to be a P. carpenteri from my LFS (I will pick it up in a couple weeks) and was wanting him to try and get some more. It would be nice to have a male and 2 females of the same species if possible. The only thing is his supplier just supplies "misc. flasher wrasses", so it would most likely be P. carpenteri or a P. filamentosis as those seem to be most common.

Thanks for any advice,

Tim

 

[snorvich]

Three flasher wrasses would be fine in your size tank IF and ONLY IF the tank is covered (egg crate won't keep them in). It is unlikely that your LFS can get females, however, since they are uncommonly brought in.

 

[Timbor]

Interesting. Is there a way to tell if smaller specimens brought in would be females? I would imagine that 3 males might not be the best idea for my size of tank?

Also, I have a full canopy on my tank. The holes I have are either covered by fans or toule (bridal veil), so there is no way they can get out, unless they jump in the overflow and go down the standpipe and into the sump. I could awlays cover the overflow too though.

Tim

 

[iamwrasseman]

you will have variable results with the flashers so its best to add them all at the same time good luck.

 

[snorvich]

And yes, they CAN jump into the overflows. They WILL jump. I agree that adding all at the same time is preferred practice.

 

[Timbor]

Ok, I will be sure to put some screen over the top of the overflow.

I had a P. filamentosis in the summer, and it jumped through the eggcrate I had put over the tank while I was switching the lights for a few days I made sure the new canopy would be well sealed. I would periodically find that one in the overflow, just sittin around. It was such a wonderful fish though!

Perhaps you can give me some advice on adding the wrasses: The only size tank I could fit in my apartment for a QT was a 5 gallon tank. I am not sure how smart it would be to keep 3 flashers in a 5 gallon for a few weeks of quarantine. Any thoughts?

Also, just to repeat my one question, is there a way to tell if smaller specimens brought in would be females? I know the flashers are protogynous hermaphrodites, so is there a certain size/age they must reach before turning into a male? I would imagine that a small size would be the best odds for a female...


Tim

 

[Timbor]

Any thoughts on the QT of multiple flashers, as well as sexing them by size?