Wrasse suggestions

brett559

New member
I've had my melanarus wrasse for a while now, and he's my favorite fish. He's super active, eats well and doesn't bother anyone. I'm thinking of adding a second (and final) wrasse. I'm looking for a reef-safe, peaceful, easy-to-keep wrasse.

Mystery wrasses are really cool, but expensive and some say very aggressive.

Here are a few that, after researching, look intriguing to me:
1) Bluehead fairy wrasse / Blue sided fairy wrasse / Yellow flanked fairy wrasse (I believe it's the same fish)
2) Exquisite fairy wrasse
3) Orange-Back Fairy Wrasse

Any experience with these? Would these be okay with my melanarus? Any other suggestions? This will probably complete my stock, so I want to make it count!
 
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The fish on your list will all work. You selected species that are all in the same subgroup, or complex within the Genus. They should be fine with the melanurus, just use a social acclimation box when adding them to ensure there is no aggression.

Also noteworthy is the species you listed have a reputation for colors fading after a few months of captivity. Usually fairy wrasses that are more red keep their colors a bit better.
 
out of those selected, I suggest the orange-back 1st, followed by the yellow flanked or the exquisite. The blue head/side r listed as peaceful but r more like semi-aggressive, esp as they mature and become territorial.
 
I picked up an Exquisite wrasse from Vanuatu about 6 months ago. He minds his own business. I have had a blue head fairy for about a 1 1/2 years now, he also minds his own business.
 
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