Wrasses for 60 cube

[TreyK]

I am really wanting to incorporate a wrasse or two in my 60 cube. It has been suggested that 60 gallons not enough room for the mccoskers or carpenter flasher wrasse I want.. whereas others have said 60 gallons is plenty. I have done 6 line wrasses in past tanks and they are gorgeous but turn rather aggressive as they age. I like the looks of melanurus as well as the added benefit of pest control in an sps tank. I am not fond of any of the fairy wrasses looks. I also like Macropharyngodon spp.

Suggestions please, thanks.

 

[evolved]

It's a tough size for wrasses, IMO.

I wouldn't put a Paracheilinus species in any tank less than 3' in length. Therefore, I feel they're not an option for you.

The Halichoeres which are <5" at maturity would be okay.

And while you said they don't much appeal to you, the Cirrhilabrus less than 3.5-4" at maturity would be okay.

And of course, the tank needs to be completely covered with 1/4" mesh.

All About Reef Safe Wrasses

 

[TreyK]

It will most definitely be covered. I've lost a couple fish to jumping in the past and fish jerky isn't as tasty as it sounds..

think I will try the Haliocheres then.

But out of curiosity, why the 36" length? You mean to say that if I had a 40 gallon tank that was 36" that would be better for a flasher than a 60 gallon that is 24"??

 

[eatbreakfast]

It will most definitely be covered. I've lost a couple fish to jumping in the past and fish jerky isn't as tasty as it sounds..

think I will try the Haliocheres then.

But out of curiosity, why the 36" length? You mean to say that if I had a 40 gallon tank that was 36" that would be better for a flasher than a 60 gallon that is 24"??

Yes, it actually is better. A wrasse will use the horizontal area more than the vertical space.

 

[evolved]

When they get to doin' their "thing", you'd be surprised how much lateral space they eat up zipping around. It's a matter of lateral space; not tank volume.