All About Reef Safe Wrasses

Thanks.

Well I got him on Thursday tank params are ok other than 20ppm nitrate there's a powder blue,potters angel,tomato clown, goby and that's about it

 

Seems the fish isn't moving much at all? And when it does, like it's unable to motor around? Just making sure I'm seeing what you're concerned about.

The only thing that'll cause a wrasse to swim oddly, is a swim bladder issue (either ruptured or infected). If it's ruptured, there's nothing you can do. If it's infected, there's a chance it'll heal on it's own (not a great chance by any means). Else, you can remove the fish and treat it in a hospital tank with antibiotics; It doesn't always work, but it can if the problem is caught early.

 

Hey Hunter
I was wondering if you could give an opinion on C. rosefascia and housing it with various other larger wrasses of the larger complexes i.e. C. lineatus, C. jordani (pair), C. exquisitus, and perhaps C. laboutei? I've heard conflicting accounts on them.

Also, would C. lineatus and C. rubrimarginatus fight due to them being similar looking conspecifics?

I would like to have at least 3 of the above species in my 90 xwide, with one being paired (most likely lineatus or jordani). What do you think would work best.

 

First, five 'biggens (5 larger Cirrhilabrus) might be a bit cramped in a 90, but it could be do-able.

As for C. rosefascia, this would be one I'd avoid in that size of a tank. They are known to become quite aggressive and are the largest member of the genus; nearly 7". Not a gamble I'd take in a 90.

C. lineatus, C. jordani, and C. exquisitus would be fine together.

C. laboutei is another that is known to get somewhat aggressive when full grown. 50/50 gamble with this one, so you might want to reconsider.

C. lineatus and C. rubrimarginatus have been known to fight, but sometimes they can live peacefully. It's a matter of individuals you end up with.

C. lineatus females are rather aggressive; not a species I'd try to keep females with alongside other wrasses.

C. jordani females turn male 95% of the time in captivity, eventually, regardless if there's another male present. Also not a species I'd bother to keep more than one of.

 

Thanks evolved
I guess jordani, lineatus, exquisitus, and naokoe it is

 

C. naokoae is in the rubriventralis complex, and therefore can pack an attitude. They go one way or another; you can try it, but you might have to remove that one if he doesn't play nice. They're 50/50.

 

Thanks for the help he now seems to be swimming almost vertically so I would also agree with the swim bladder problem

 

What sort of antibiotics or treatment could I use on him?

 

Head down, tail up? Definitely swim bladder in this case.

Something Erythromycin based, in a hostipal tank of course.

 

Just updating as promised. I bought a Carpenter's Flasher from Blue Zoo Aquatics a month ago, and I just released it into the DT a couple of days ago. I couldn't believe how big he was; I believe he is full size already. I can see now why they need to be in a 3' long tank at the minimum. This is one of the friendliest fish I have ever seen, always coming right up to the tank whenever you walk by. He has drawn my male Lubbock's to be out in the water column more, and they are always "hanging out" in the same part of the tank. I introduced him at night when just the actinics were on, and he quickly found a home under a rock. There was zero aggression from the Lubbock's the next once the lights were on, and he was already swimming all over the tank. Definitely a good call Hunter! Here is a pic from today:



And a not-so-great pic of him flashing when he was still in the QT:



Now I am strongly considering finishing up the tank with one more fairy wrasse instead of a dwarf angel as I was planning. Per your previous recommendations, here are the species I am looking into:

C. marjorie
C. adornatus
C. rubriventralis
C. joanallenae
C. naokoae

Would a C. pylei be an option? It wasn't on your list, so I am not sure of its temperament and what to compare it to. Again, this is for a 55 gallon. Thoughts?

Edit: Now I know why it wasn't on your list. I re-read your first post where you say it is aggressive towards other Cirrhilabrus and other fish in general. I will take that right off the list!

2nd Edit: Going by your individual descriptions of Fairy Wrasse, it seems C. adornatus will likely be aggressive towards my other wrasse, as will C. naokoae. You say that C. rubriventralis can sometimes be aggressive. Since this will be the last add, would this still be an issue? Or would C. marjorie or C. joanallenae be a better option? The following weren't on your list previously, but seem to fit the bill temperament and size wise: C. aurantidorsalis & C. bathiphilus (if I could find one!).

Sorry for all of the questions!