wrasse question

[Osteomata]

I seem to be hearing some conflicting information:
This weekend I went to 5 LFSs. I took with me a picture of a bunch of different fish I was interested in, including 6 or more wrasses. Sixline, velvets, flashers, faeries, etc. One of the LFS guys told that all of the wrasses on my list, except the six line, would decimate my snails and crabs. I have been trying to find some more info, but so far the interweb is disagreeing with the LFS guy. Any comments? Are many of the flashers and faery wrasses invertabrate safe?

 

[mrp2g]

I have had, over the years the following wrasses with never a problem with inverts:

six line, yellow coris, checkerboard wrasse, pink margin fairy, radiant wrasse.
Note to remember: usually wrasses in the Thalasoma family tend not to be invert-safe, but its really a 50/50 shot IMO.

 

[chrisaggie]

The LFS guys is wrong. Your wrasses will be fine with snails and hermits.

 

[Osteomata]

Thanks, glad to hear it.

 

[Rogger Castells]

I agree, at least the ones you mentioned are invert safe.

 

[itz frank]

if it's 50/50 you might want to add one at a time so you can watch which ones act up.

 

[TorryRx]

They may decimate your pod population, but your snails and crabs should be just fine.

The only problem I've ever had was a Mystery wrasse who made a snack out of a pistol shrimp. Even he never touched my snails ro crabs.

 

[dragonladylea]

While those on your list should be fine, there are exceptions to the rule with any fish IMO, I have seen a six-line that completely wiped out an invert population in two tanks, was returned to the LFS twice and then was listed for sale to a non-reef tank only!

 

[Osteomata]

Thanks so much for the additional insight. I went to a store today that had a Christmas wrasse, which was quite beautiful, but is in the Thalasoma family. I want a smaller wrasse, preferably a flasher or faerie.

 

[jessp]

carpenters wrasses are a real gorgeous choice. although they like to jump big time, you'll need a tight fitting lid for these guys

 

[CraigG]

My six-line takes out a hermit or two every 2 weeks.