Wrasse for pest control.. All of them good?

[Michael43]

Id like to add a wrasse to my tank and I know they can be good for pest control. I don't have any issues but it's nice to have someone in there worst case. Seems like the 6 line is the most popular but I also read they can be a little bully at times. Are all wrasse known to be good for pests or just particular ones?

 

[jcdeng]

fairy wrasses are not good for pests. If six line is too aggressive for your liking, consider the pink streaked wrasse or possum wrasse, which are cuc safe too.

 

[mr11]

Halichoeres wrasse like the Melanurus are good for pest control. They may eat snails and some CUC members. Mine has only picked on snails I added after him, leaves everyone else alone. Next time I add CUC Ill do it after he is asleep.

 

[Michael43]

I was thinking one of these:

http://m.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1378+2648&pcatid=2648

 

[evolved]

Cirrhilabrus and Paracheilinus are not benthic feeders, and hence won't do any good in this regard.

 

[RTab619]

My Melanarus and Christmas Wrasse are always on the hunt

 

[Greenstreet.1]

My Formosa is great at pest control

 

[Michael43]

Cool. Maybe I'll do a pink streaked. It looks like the 6 line in its own way

 

[saltyhog]

Halichoeres chrysus is the best in my experience. Very laid back, seldom are a threat to clean up crew and get to a decent size in larger tanks. Mine is a big puppy dog.

 

[eatbreakfast]

^Agreed, H. chrysus is among the best, though most of the smaller Halichoeres species do a good job.

 

[jd371]

I see my Melanarus picking at the rocks all day.

 

[spartanman22]

I've always kept a H. chrysus in my reefs. Gorgeous fish and the best at pest control in my experience.

 

[Steve Maxwell]

Would the Yellow wrasse (H. chrysus) get along with a McCosker's? Also are they reef safe?

 

[spartanman22]

Every yellow wrasse I've ever had has never had any aggression issues with any other species of wrasse.

 

[evolved]

Would the Yellow wrasse (H. chrysus) get along with a McCosker's? Also are they reef safe?

Yes; shouldn't be a problem but always use an acclimation box when introduction new wrasses to existing.

 

[AMPM]

Do the six line wrasse eat snails? I have a six line wrasse and all my snails are dead

 

[Beej1254]

What about the rumor that some wrasse may eat vermetid snails? Are there any?

 

[CodyRVA]

How to Leopard Wrasses stack up for pest control, specifically pods. CUC safe?

 

[evolved]

Do the six line wrasse eat snails? I have a six line wrasse and all my snails are dead

Typically no, but it's not impossible. It would not be my first suspicion.

What about the rumor that some wrasse may eat vermetid snails? Are there any?

While in their tubes, no; there are none. If you manually break the tubes and expose the worm, many Halichoeres will figure out they're tasty.

How to Leopard Wrasses stack up for pest control, specifically pods. CUC safe?

Pods are their primary diet; may eat some other small critters on the substrate but don't count on it. Completely CUC safe.

 

[Baldguy]

I got both a melanurus and a chrysus hoping they would help with flatworms. I've not seen either partake. Still love the fish but no help with my pests.