Wrasse Compatibility

[ellebelle]

I have a 3" long C. solarensis (Clown/Red Head/Solor/Solon Fairy Wrasse). He was the second fish to go in my tank - the only one to go in before him was a Blue Green Chromis. As you might imagine, he is tank king and all other fish bow to him. I've never seen him actually nip one of my other fish, but sometimes he will chase them around, especially during feeding times. He's least aggressive with my Midas blenny which is approximately the same size. He's most aggressive with the chromis.

I love wrasses so much, and I would love to include another one in my tank. But I am concerned about putting a second one into a 29g. It's not very much space for them both to have their own area - they'd have to "get along". Is it even possible to do so? If so, should I get one a lot smaller or about the same size? And if I did decide to get another one, should I go with something with a slightly different body shape?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Deanos]

There are several articles linked in the "Wrasse" thread in this forum discussing fairy wrasse compatibility.

 

[prattreef]

Another fairy or flasher wrasse might be tough in a 29g. ( if you had added them at the same time it might have worked). One thing that would work is a Wetmorella species pygmy wrasse which are small, unaggressive and seemingly ignored by most things. They are not stunningly beautiful and kind of cryptic, but I like them and one would fit your tank nicely.

If you want to try a fairy wrasse, I'd consider one of the smaller species like the whipfin, tono, or rubripinnis that are quite different from the solon and kind of tough for their size.
Randy

 

[ellebelle]

I thought it would probably be hard in a 29 to keep another one without having introduced them at the same time. One of the salespeople in an LFS was trying to convince me that I could do it if the new wrasse was a lot smaller, and though I WANTED to believe him ... I didn't.

Actually, I quite like the Possum wrasses and was considering getting one before I picked up the clown fairy wrasse. Definitely worth consideration. Thanks !

Dean - the fairy wrasse article you linked today in the wrasse thread is nice - I hadn't seen that one before.

 

[KathyC]

Lissa - Coral Factory has a couple of possum wrasses in stock, we were just over there late this afternoon.
Nice place btw!

 

[scarf_ace1981]

possum wrasses eat mostly pods and you hardly ever see them. before you get a possum make sure it's eating prepared foods.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Lissa in a 55 my 6 line killed a nice fairy wrasse on me so it's not just the 29 it's a 55 too.

 

[loismustdie]

six-lines are the devil. Killed my radiant wrasse in a 180. Not sure how well a six line matches up to her fish.

 

[prattreef]

I agree avoid a six line at all costs.

 

[ellebelle]

I wasn't even considering a 6 line. I'm trying to keep a community tank and minimize the aggressive fish. The most aggressive fish I have is a royal gramma and he doesn't really bother the other fish unless they come really near his sleepin' spot.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

LOL The only problem I ever had with the 6 line was with that wrasse, he's a model citizen otherwise.

 

[KathyC]

I have a Cryptic 6 line Wrasse and he's a sweetie..these guys are the peaceful version of the 6 line and quite small. He just motors around and bothers nobody.
http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/wrassereefsafe/crypticsixlinewrasse/

I also have a Twinspot Hogfish who is very laid back in my 33g. Nice bright color
Coral Factory has Orangespotted Shrimp Gobies (they are babies)..that could be interesting if you can find a Alpheid Shrimp to pair him up with.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

lissa i think a lubbocks might work but everything is always a maybe.