Wrasse Dominant Tank Combo

arc eye

arc eye

New member
In addition to being SPS and clam dominant, I've decided to make my tank wrasse dominant. Only non-wrasse tank mates are 1 Kole Tang & 2 Clowns. Tank dimensions are 48"x20"x21". Below are two combinations I have been considering. I am trying to maximize diversity and color.

Which combo would you choose?

Option 1 Peaceful
1 Yellow Coris Wrasse (H. Chrysus)
2 Leopard Wrasses (Bipartus or Potters)
1 Pink Margin Fairy Wrasse
1 Labout's Fairy Wrasse

Question: Could I do a Mystery Wrasse instead of the Pink Margin for this combo?


Option 2 Semi-Aggressive
1 Mystery Wrasse
1 Vrolik's Wrasse or Christmas Wrasse (H. Chrysotaenia or H. Claudia)
1 Labout's Fairy Wrasse
1-2 Other Flashers or Fairies (TBD)

Question: Could I do a Yellow Coris Wrasse in addition to a Vrolik's or Christmas wrasse for this combo?


Any other suggestions welcome!
 
For both options, I would not recommend doing a Mystery Wrasse. In general, they (and all members of that genus) do not play well with other Wrasses. Also, I would rethink the Labout's Wrasse as well. They are known to become aggressive with other Wrasses as they mature. Many have had to remove theirs. Mine only does some minor chasing of my C. bathyphilus (Hooded Fairy Wrasse), and hoping it stays this way.
 
Darn, was really hoping the labout would work out. Any recommendations for a replacement that would work with option 1?
 
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If you really like the Labouti, go with it. My personal experience with them has been the same as marshall's where he flashes and does a little chasing, but nothing to be concerned about. Just add him after the pink margin fairy, he will be fine with all of the others.
 
Agreed with the above posts re:the Labouti. I found a good home for mine when he became aggressive towards my Lineatus. (then conveniently the Lineatus died which makes me sad everytime I see Hunter's photo but I digress).

What about a Lineatus? Stunning fish - ok sad again. Guess its time to get another Lineatus myself...
 
I love the lineatus, but afraid to spend big bucks on my first fairy wrasse. So I chose the pink margin as a substitute.

What would you choose as a labouti replacement? I'm thinking of going with a couple flashers instead (about the same price as one labouti)
 
arc eye said:
I love the lineatus, but afraid to spend big bucks on my first fairy wrasse. So I chose the pink margin as a substitute.

What would you choose as a labouti replacement? I'm thinking of going with a couple flashers instead (about the same price as one labouti)
Click to expand...

I have a blue flasher which is very active and always out and about. Inexpensive and no issues with others.

Labouti is not cheap though. Again - just my opinion but I would rather add fewer showpiece fish that I really want b/c eventually you run out of room. One wrasse that I do have and is inexpensive and has great-multi colors is a Lubbock's.

I would use Hunter's guide as a reference, check online for photos, and get what you like. Ask 10 people and likely get 10 different opinions.
 
If you are considering a lineatus I would skip the pink margin due to similar body shapes. My lineatus is on the aggressive side and killed my rhomboid. I have an 8 line flasher, solar, labouti, linespot wrasses in my tank and so far no issues with them. He does chase and flash my midas blenny.
 
I love my pink margin and my lineatus. Just today, I removed my labouti. He was good for a while and in the past week he started bullying my lineatus, which is my favorite fish in my tank. Sad to see him go, but I had to do it.
 
If I only did one fairy wrasse (lineatus, labouti, or pink margin) would it have any issues with a couple flashers...or any of the other peaceful non-fairy wrasses listed above?
 
Marshall O said:
How long have you had the C. rubrimarginatus & C. lineatus together? As already mentioned, these are not normally kept together.
Click to expand...

I have personally kept a male lineatus and male rubrimarginatus together for a couple of years together in a 60"x24" without issue. I also have a friend who has had the 2 males together for a little over a year now, also no issues.
 
arc eye said:
If I only did one fairy wrasse (lineatus, labouti, or pink margin) would it have any issues with a couple flashers...or any of the other peaceful non-fairy wrasses listed above?
Click to expand...

It will flash and may chase flashers, but no danger to the flashers. It may flash at the other wrasses, but most likely will not pay much attention them.
 
Marshall O- I've had them together for only about one year. No aggression at all between them so far. I really hope it stays that way.

arc eye- I have the lineatus and pink margin with 4 flashers. They don't pay any attention to each other, but the flashers are always keeping each other in check by flashing. Very cool!
 
eatbreakfast said:
I have personally kept a male lineatus and male rubrimarginatus together for a couple of years together in a 60"x24" without issue. I also have a friend who has had the 2 males together for a little over a year now, also no issues.
Click to expand...

cFloor said:
Marshall O- I've had them together for only about one year. No aggression at all between them so far. I really hope it stays that way.
Click to expand...

Good to know, thanks for the info!
 
eatbreakfast said:
I have personally kept a male lineatus and male rubrimarginatus together for a couple of years together in a 60"x24" without issue. I also have a friend who has had the 2 males together for a little over a year now, also no issues.
Click to expand...
Yes, it can be done just fine.

Marshall, I only have the cautionary note there because is a lineatus is going to take issue with anyone, it'll be rubrimarginatus long before any others. But that doesn't mean it will happen.
 
evolved said:
Marshall, I only have the cautionary note there because is a lineatus is going to take issue with anyone, it'll be rubrimarginatus long before any others. But that doesn't mean it will happen.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification Hunter. Since I have never kept both together obviously, I like to hear personal experiences of others.
 
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