Thinking about adding a Checkerboard Wrasse

[GRFMotorsports]

I was in the LFS today and spotted a very pretty Checkerboard Wrasse today. I was thinking about adding him to my tank but thought I would get some opinions. Current set up is a 55, total time is 4+ years but was moved about 6 months ago to a new house. Current inhabitants are a clown and a Vroliks Wrasse (4-5") A few corals and clean up crew. The Checkerboard looks to be about 3". I have a 150 but we are still a ways away from getting it up and running. Eventually in the 150 I hope to have quite a few wrasse but time will tell. The Vroliks is quite peaceful and eats about anything I put in the tank. BTW admittedly my water quality isnt the best but both current residents seem pretty happy.

Just looking for thought and maybe some experiences with these 2 fish. I realize all fish are different but just some generalizations will help. Thanks!

 

[evolved]

The checkerboard is a rather large species; too big for a 55.

At 3", it might work for a while, but certainly not long term.

As for mixing with another Halichoeres, it can be done, but mixing Halichoeres is a mixed bag. It might work, but it might not. Using an acclimation box upon introduction can help your odds, but be prepared to take action if things don't go your way.

 

[GRFMotorsports]

Agree on the size of the tank but I hop to have the 150 up and going late spring so its just a temporary house.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I added one to my 120 gallon thinking I would be fine since he was the last fish added. He terrorized all my other wrasses causing my vroliks wrasse to jump in the overflow and was just so aggressive I caught him and gave him to a friend with a 400 gallon tank.

 

[GRFMotorsports]

I added one to my 120 gallon thinking I would be fine since he was the last fish added. He terrorized all my other wrasses causing my vroliks wrasse to jump in the overflow and was just so aggressive I caught him and gave him to a friend with a 400 gallon tank.

What were the sizes of the fish?

 

[aandfsoccr04]

Checkerboard was probably 4.5 inches
Vroliks wrasse was about the same size
Lineatus was about 5 inches
M. Bipartitus leopard wrasse was 4 inches

He chased everything and was a total pain in the butt.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

 

[gmigmi]

My experience with a checkerboard wasn't great, I got mine small but it grew extremely fast compared to my other helichoeres and it became very aggressive, had to remove it.

this is a pic of him back in 2010

 

[GRFMotorsports]

Thanks for the input, beautiful fish but I may hold off at least for now.