wrasse question!

[rajkovich207]

So I recently purchased a lubbocks fairy wrasse for my 20 long, and have fallen in love with it! I was wondering if there were any other wrasses I could keep with it in a tank that size? I don't know if it makes a difference, but I am not sure of it is a male or a female. I would greatly appreciate any comments. Thank you, and as always, happy reefing! Tony

 

[aquaph8]

I think 20 gallons is a little on the small side for a lubbocks. They tend to be a little aggressive, I would probably stay away from adding more fairy or flashers. Maybe something a little scrappier. What other fish do you have?

 

[small alien]

At least it's a 20 long but that fish is too large and active for that tank. I'd worry about that before worrying about what to add next. Good luck.

 

[rajkovich207]

I did some research prior to purchase and was also told by several long time sw keepers that he'd be perfect for the tank. As of now I have no other fish, and he is still in QT being treated for ich. I will be adding a clown and a purple firefish as well as one other that is still open. If you guys have any suggestions for the 4th fish id love to hear them!

 

[reefjunkie42]

well firefish are skiddish and should be introduced 1st to become established.

 

[aquaph8]

I agree^^^. I would do a pair and make sure they are established first.

 

[sponger0]

a 20 gallon is small really for any wrasse

 

[small alien]

Except the mighty possum!

 

[betamed]

I would not add another wrasse. 2-3 fish in a 20 is plenty so consider a gobie or a yellow tail damsel.

 

[mystery_reef]

some kind of goby or a possum wrasse gets my vote. lubbocks will be ok in your 20. 4 or 5 small fish are fine imo, just make sure to keep up on the water changes give you an excuse to upgrade too.

 

[small alien]

It's not about numbers of fish. You could have 10 fish if they were teeny, sedate and peaceful. I think I had 10 fish in a 20H. But they weren't active swimmers like a fairy wrasse. It's about compatibility between the fish and their environment and the fish and the rest of the fish population. Lubbock's are one of the smaller fairies but LA still recommends 50 gallons for the species. And they're trying to sell you one.

 

[rssjsb]

I would skip the firefish altogether. I agree that a goby or possum wrasse would work better. And I absolutely would not add a damsel in a 20 long with a clown.

 

[Ninong]

Tony, I have to disagree with whoever told you a Lubbock's fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lubbocki) would do well in a 20-gal tank. The absolute minimum size tank for this fish is 50 gallons. One other point to remember is that all fairy wrasses are jumpers. They jump often and high, so the tank has to have some sort of cover to protect against that.

 

[billyzbear]

How about a royal gramma. Mellow and my wrasses leave it alone. Start thinking of get something bigger for your wrasse.

 

[rajkovich207]

thisthis because I know i am going to get a lot of veal for this but the wrasse has been held for 2 weeks in a 5.5 gal qt tank, and aside from one aditional ich outbreak on him he ous very healthy eats like a horse and over all appears happy, so I am not to worried about keeping him in the 20l. I do have a lid on both tanks plus the water level is a bit shy from the black trim giving him extra wind resistance lol, so any jump attempt is well covered! I am a firm believer in water changes and I will be adding an cor aquafuge2 large next month with rock and tons of macro in it. I also tun a skimmer on the tank so I feel that four fish firm will be fine, 5 is pushing it tho before Atleast allowing one year for the tabk to mature. I am sorry if I offended anyone with my thoughts but worst case senario I give him to my dad (40b w/ 20L sump) untill I can find him a proper home. Thank you so much everyone for all of your input!
Tony