WRASSE question: small one for 55

[serval]

This is for wrasse lovers, of which I am one. My 55 currently houses a pair of pink streaked wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia), 5 chromis (of which 2 are dominant and the other 3 hide all the time), 1 tailspot blenny, 2 x shrimp gobies plus shrimps and some other inverts (cerith snails, nerites, 2 x emerald crabs, 1 tuxedo urchin, assorted corals).

It seems a little too "fish less" at first glance. I would like to add a small wrasse of another type that won't harass anyone else. I already know a Christmas wrasse is too large. I was thinking of a leopard wrasse, but many feel these require a larger tank/more live rock.

My tank is 55 gallons, lots of live rock and is 1.5 yrs old. I see many mysis shrimp, isopods, etc. at night (no copepods though).

Any suggestions on a small wrasse that would not upset the balance?

 

[SDguy]

I would like to add a small wrasse of another type that won't harass anyone else. I already know a Christmas wrasse is too large.

Have you considered a H. biocellatus? Very pretty, same look as the Christmas wrasse, but smaller.

Here's mine:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1898999&highlight=halichoeres

 

[serval]

The H. biocellatus is beautiful. But, are they ever available? Did you get yours from LiveAquaria? A 4" maximum is perfect. (I loved the Christmas wrasse, but he/she grew and started getting too feisty for a smallish tank).

 

[SDguy]

I see them all the time locally, so it doesn't appear that they are difficult to get. Unfortunately, I don't think the wholesalers ID them correctly. I think they get lumped into the xmas wrasse category. I bet you could get LA to get one for you though. They use the same wholesalers as the LFS around here.

 

[jonathansruelas]

thing about wrasses, they are almost all occasional threats to crustaceans and invertebrates. you woundnt wanna try a single anthia? lyretail or a barlett

 

[serval]

Anthias just don't thrill me after I read about their natural groupings and decided anything close to a natural situation was impossible. My current inverts are well established and fairly large ( and the pistols hide) so I think they would be ok. I did have 2 incredible anemone shrimp (Periclimenes) but someone ate them recently. I suspect the growing ever more belligerent chromis king. Not sure though.