Which wrasse can I keep?
I have established that my aquarium meets the requirements needed for a number of genera of wrasse. I have the sand bed, plenty of live rock, covered aquarium, no big or aggressive fish etc. My aquarium system including sump is approximately 300 litres with swimming room all around the live rock and has plenty of microfauna for the benthic feeders to enjoy hunting, and with a reasonable amount of food in the water column for the planktivores.
So... what wrasse might I hope to keep?
I think the size limit has to be around the 15-16 cms mark at the outside and then perhaps only one fish of this size so this cuts out a number of different genera, notably the lovely Coris and Thalassoma wrasses.
So which genera might I consider: Paracheilinus (mostly under 10 cms), Cirrhilabrus (mostly under 12cms), Wetmorelia (5 to 7cms), Pseudocheilinus (between 8 and 12cms), Suezichthys (10 to 20cms), Halichoeres (10 to 20cms, most up to 15cms), Labroides (9 to 15cms) Macropharyngodon (up to 14cms but generally smaller), Pseudojuloides (8 to 13cms) and Anampses (12 to 35cms but mainly up to 18cms). I have seen fish from all of these genera available in my LFS. There may be others that if on the market could be suitable. The maximum sizes for the fish I have taken from Fishbase which states the maximum for a wild terminal male. A number of studies have suggested that captive fish may only grow from 66% to 80% of this size. In most cases females will be smaller still. I don't know how true this is but it is certainly worth considering.
So... what wrasse might I hope to keep?
I think the size limit has to be around the 15-16 cms mark at the outside and then perhaps only one fish of this size so this cuts out a number of different genera, notably the lovely Coris and Thalassoma wrasses.
So which genera might I consider: Paracheilinus (mostly under 10 cms), Cirrhilabrus (mostly under 12cms), Wetmorelia (5 to 7cms), Pseudocheilinus (between 8 and 12cms), Suezichthys (10 to 20cms), Halichoeres (10 to 20cms, most up to 15cms), Labroides (9 to 15cms) Macropharyngodon (up to 14cms but generally smaller), Pseudojuloides (8 to 13cms) and Anampses (12 to 35cms but mainly up to 18cms). I have seen fish from all of these genera available in my LFS. There may be others that if on the market could be suitable. The maximum sizes for the fish I have taken from Fishbase which states the maximum for a wild terminal male. A number of studies have suggested that captive fish may only grow from 66% to 80% of this size. In most cases females will be smaller still. I don't know how true this is but it is certainly worth considering.
How many wrasse can I keep?
I think this is almost like asking how long is a piece of string. This would depend on which wrasse species I was considering. Bigger species would need more room and create more bioload than smaller species. I am thinking that with most fish between 10 and 15cms perhaps 6 or 7 fish would be Ok but again much would depend on the individual species I consider. I will also have to be very disciplined as there are just so many beautiful fish to choose from.
What to consider?
I guess that must start with what do I like? And then think about compatibility. I don't know how accurate my thoughts are but I have always had some basic ideas around this subject for all kinds of fish.
Two dominant males of the same species probably not a good idea.
Two fish of similar size, shape and colouration, even if a different species can be problematic.
Fish competing for the same food source may be a source of conflict.
Very active fish can outcompete very passive fish for food.
Some fish can be very territorial and defensive.
The order in which fish are introduced to the reef also needs to be considered.
Some fish are just aggressive. (see my page on Avoiding aggression with my wrasse)
I guess that must start with what do I like? And then think about compatibility. I don't know how accurate my thoughts are but I have always had some basic ideas around this subject for all kinds of fish.
Two dominant males of the same species probably not a good idea.
Two fish of similar size, shape and colouration, even if a different species can be problematic.
Fish competing for the same food source may be a source of conflict.
Very active fish can outcompete very passive fish for food.
Some fish can be very territorial and defensive.
The order in which fish are introduced to the reef also needs to be considered.
Some fish are just aggressive. (see my page on Avoiding aggression with my wrasse)
I have noticed a great many questions on various forums regarding which wrasse can be kept together, how many etc. There are certainly more questions than answers but some good contributions that are worth thinking about. When doing my reading I am very aware of the date of the articles as I think older guidance may be based on outdated information. (see my page Are wrasse really difficult to keep?) I think this is becoming a key issues when doing my research.
I have also come across some good articles that are worth a read.
Keeping Wrasses Together Successfully Carrie McBirney 2014
All about reef safe wrasses in aquaria Reef2 Reef 2016
Cirrhilabrus Complexes:Inferiority Need Not Apply Hunter Hammond 2015
A “Fairy” Inclusive Look at Keeping & Mixing Cirrhilabrus Wrasses Hunter Hammond (YouTube) 2017
Wrasse sleeping behaviour, what lengths would you go to to get a good nights sleep? Carrie McBirney 2014
I'm a wrasse-aholic Paul Whitby
I have, at present, decided to stick with 4 possibly 5 different genera to choose my wrasse collection from: Macrophayngodon, Halichoeres, Cirrhilabrus and Paracheilinus with the possibility of one fish from the Anampsis genus. Two popular and readily available genera that I will avoid are the Labroides and fish from the genus Pseudocheilinus. I am feeling there are no absolute right answers as to which fish will be compatible in any one tank as every setup is different and fish are individuals! I have received different advice from people with a lot of knowledge so I think even following the guidance and common sense ideas above there will always be a risk when introducing any new fish into an existing community.
Updated 14.2.20
I have also come across some good articles that are worth a read.
Keeping Wrasses Together Successfully Carrie McBirney 2014
All about reef safe wrasses in aquaria Reef2 Reef 2016
Cirrhilabrus Complexes:Inferiority Need Not Apply Hunter Hammond 2015
A “Fairy” Inclusive Look at Keeping & Mixing Cirrhilabrus Wrasses Hunter Hammond (YouTube) 2017
Wrasse sleeping behaviour, what lengths would you go to to get a good nights sleep? Carrie McBirney 2014
I'm a wrasse-aholic Paul Whitby
I have, at present, decided to stick with 4 possibly 5 different genera to choose my wrasse collection from: Macrophayngodon, Halichoeres, Cirrhilabrus and Paracheilinus with the possibility of one fish from the Anampsis genus. Two popular and readily available genera that I will avoid are the Labroides and fish from the genus Pseudocheilinus. I am feeling there are no absolute right answers as to which fish will be compatible in any one tank as every setup is different and fish are individuals! I have received different advice from people with a lot of knowledge so I think even following the guidance and common sense ideas above there will always be a risk when introducing any new fish into an existing community.
Updated 14.2.20