Tank focused on flasher/fiary wrasses

[hogfanreefer]

Other two are H. chrysus and H. claudia. The Vrolik's is about 4 1/2"

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

You wrasse lovers have been so helpful, I have to ask some more.

I am at the point in my build that I want to decide between a Mandy and a Halicheores or two. My wife likes the Mandy, but the wrasses might be very nice to add.

Mandy probably should have a Fuge, but the H. wrasses would not, correct? They are voracious pod eaters but do not require them, right?

Halicheores would need deeper sand. I have been reading anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. How much do I really need to keep them snug in bed?

Finally, how invert safe are they? I have read that H. biocellatus, H. chyrus, and H. iridis are fairly easy on the CUC. Do yall agree with that?

Those three look like they are the leading candidates for me, any other suggestions? Smallish, as peaceful as possible and more invert friendly are the criteria for me.

Hunter, your article continues to be of enormous help, THANK YOU!

 

[eatbreakfast]

As a wrasse lover, I would steer you toward wrasses over a mandarin any day.

IME Halichoeres wrasses are easier to keep than a mandarin, and although they do pick at pods all day a refugium is not necassary for success, just a few feedings a day.

They definitely need sand to sleep in at night, but they only need enough to cover their bodies. 2" is usually more than sufficient.

The 3 species you listed above are all on the peaceful and relatively CUC safe end of the spectrum. I have personally never had a problem with any of these going after my inverts, but as they get larger it is still possible, though unlikely.

 

[griseum]

How about some of the pseudojuloides spp? The pencil wrasses...
I believe, IME, that they are much less abundant at most LFS, but there are several species that are quite beautiful!
I'm wrasse lover in training, my collection consists of C. rhomboidalis and C. earlei, in a Marshall Island Display. And a largy Mystery wrasse as well, in another system.

D-man- you have a very nice collection it sounds. Do you have a thread with pics you could PM a link too?

OP you will definitely not regret fairy/flasher wrasses as IMO Cirrhilabrus genus alone encompasses some of the most colorful and beautiful reef fish around.

Good luck!

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Thanks for the advice so far. I will look into pencil wrasses a little more.

I forgot to ask if there is a specific grain size sand required or preferred by the burrowing wrasses?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Pseudojuloides are a little more difficult than flasher, fairy and Halichoeres wrasses, as they do not ship well at all, the difficulty level being more along the lines of Macropharyngodon or Anampses wrasses. Once established they are hardy enough, but when kept with other wrasses males have a tendancy to revert back to female.

 

[evolved]

Hunter, your article continues to be of enormous help, THANK YOU!

Thank you

As a wrasse lover, I would steer you toward wrasses over a mandarin any day.

IME Halichoeres wrasses are easier to keep than a mandarin, and although they do pick at pods all day a refugium is not necassary for success, just a few feedings a day.

They definitely need sand to sleep in at night, but they only need enough to cover their bodies. 2" is usually more than sufficient.

The 3 species you listed above are all on the peaceful and relatively CUC safe end of the spectrum. I have personally never had a problem with any of these going after my inverts, but as they get larger it is still possible, though unlikely.

I don't have much more to say then what was just said here, except I feel 1" of sand is all you need - you'll end up with spots which are deeper than an inch from the flow within the tank. And they're good at finding the deeper spots too.

How about some of the pseudojuloides spp? The pencil wrasses...
I believe, IME, that they are much less abundant at most LFS, but there are several species that are quite beautiful!
I'm wrasse lover in training, my collection consists of C. rhomboidalis and C. earlei, in a Marshall Island Display. And a largy Mystery wrasse as well, in another system.

eatbreakfast is more experienced than I with the pencils, but they're typically on the delicate side. I would only recommend them to those with experience keeping wrasses.
You scared me with the mystery bit there for a second; glad to read it's in another system!

I forgot to ask if there is a specific grain size sand required or preferred by the burrowing wrasses?

It doesn't need to be sugar sand; just fine enough so they're not prone to cutting themselves when they bury. 3-4mm is fine.

 

[eatbreakfast]

eatbreakfast is more experienced than I with the pencils, but they're typically on the delicate side. I would only recommend them to those with experience keeping wrasses.

Thanks! I generally agree, but more based on their sensitivity from shipping. If you were able to find on at LFS that has been swimming around and eating for 1 week+ than you are much more likely to be successful(but isn't that true of most fish). What I find to be the biggest drawback with them is that if they are housed with other dominant wrasses i.e. md to lg fairy wrasses and Halichoeres wrasses, the males tend to revert back to female coloration. If they are allowed to be the dominant or only wrasse in a tank, than the males keep their vibrant colors.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I like those pencil wrasses, maybe I will give one a shot if I can find one at a LFS.

Thanks again wrasse lovers!

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

How about substituting a P.rubricaudalis for the P. flavianalis?

Is the temperament similar? I am struggling with this selection as the yellow fins, Mckosckers and carpenters all look similar, but Im not sure if they really do it for me.

Also, Whats the P. angulatus like? Is that a suitable alternative to the yellowfin? I can post a complete stocking plan if it would be helpful.

Thanks for the continued help.

 

[evolved]

^ IME, all the ones you mention there are about even on temperament.

 

[aquaph8]

I agree, but can't pick cause I love them all. Rubricaudalis is very similar to mccoskeri and flavianalis and to non-fish folk they will all appear to be little red fish but to someone as crazy as me they're all very special in their own way. With enough hiding places they all get along great.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Well, I went with the yellowfin , P, flavianalis, as originally suggested. It arrived today and looks fantastic. So far I am very happy with my choice. He is already eating well and acting very normal in QT.

Thank you all for the suggestions, it sure is wonderful to have such experienced and helpful folks to draw upon.