Compatibility

[laxer23]

I'm planning a 180 mixed reef tank ordered etc. Working on the scape have plenty of hiding places and surface area for coral growth. I'm really more of a fish person than coral, as such I really love a wide variety of fish. Some of the fish I want are:
Bangii Cardinals
Clowns
couple of Tangs, thinking Gem or Yellow, and a long body that's not the Powder blue not interested in the aggression despite loving the look
Dart fish or some type of similar body fish

The real headache is with this group, and the group I need a little help with. Gonna have inverts*

Leopard Wrasse
Misc Fairy Wrasses
Squareback Anthias


Fish in consideration if there is room:
Dwarf Angel - best reef safe option Swallow Tail maybe
Lawnmower Blenny
Mandarin Goby



Thank you for the help

 

[reefsaver]

I would mainly worry about these guys

Leopard Wrasse

Beautiful but can be challenging to acclimate and keep.
Requires a well-established tank with a lot of live rock for hunting pods.

Fairy Wrasses

Colorful and active, generally peaceful but can be aggressive towards similar species.
Multiple hiding places and a covered tank are essential.

Squareback Anthias

Stunning but can be demanding in terms of feeding.
Prefer to be kept in groups with a ratio of one male to several females.

Mandarin Goby

Gorgeous patterns but feeds mainly on highly populated copepods.
Requires a well-established tank with a lot of live rock for hunting pods.

 

[laxer23]

I would mainly worry about these guys

Leopard Wrasse

Beautiful but can be challenging to acclimate and keep.
Requires a well-established tank with a lot of live rock for hunting pods.

Fairy Wrasses

Colorful and active, generally peaceful but can be aggressive towards similar species.
Multiple hiding places and a covered tank are essential.

Squareback Anthias

Stunning but can be demanding in terms of feeding.
Prefer to be kept in groups with a ratio of one male to several females.

Mandarin Goby

Gorgeous patterns but feeds mainly on highly populated copepods.
Requires a well-established tank with a lot of live rock for hunting pods.

The Mandarin Goby I believe the aqua cultured ones are easier and also accept pellets?
The Anthias yeah I have auto feeders to help out with the multiple feedings.
Good call with the Leopard Wrasse, I don't think I've seen them aqua cultured yet.

Reading through the forum I've seen where Anthias and Wrasses don't generally mix.
Anthias will act similar to Chromis where they pick each other off. Lyretails are pretty common for this from what I've seen. I think based on what I've read in the Wrasse forum the Squarebacks and Dispar are easier on each other. This is why I was thinking maybe the Squares are ok with Wrasses?

 

[reefsaver]

If you have your heart set on some stocking choices people do have success keeping them together but they do things like introduce the least aggressive fish first so it can get comfy and establish territory, once the more aggressive fish are in, feed as much of a varied diet as you can when you need to so they're happy. You are absolutely right in that Squarebacks and Anthias are better with each other, both are relatively peaceful fish.
With maybe Squarebacks being a tiny touch meaner.

 

[laxer23]

Yeah, Anthias and Wrasses are two groups I've never kept. I'm only just getting back into the hobby after a 20 year hiatus. I would love to have both, but I'm not someone who is willing to just throw stuff in knowing its going to fail. So I'm trying to really dig in to these groups of fish and figure out the best combos of Wrasses and Anthias people have had the greatest long term success with.

 

[Slocke]

Tangs and darters may not work. Also timid wrasse and anthias with more aggressive tangs may not work. You could get tougher wrasse but then inverts are at risk.

Anthias and wrasse are fine togther

 

[laxer23]

Tangs and darters may not work. Also timid wrasse and anthias with more aggressive tangs may not work. You could get tougher wrasse but then inverts are at risk.

Anthias and wrasse are fine togther

Hmm ok, I didn't know Tangs had a problem with Dartfish. Guess I'll look into that more.
The Wrasses I'd like are Leopard which ReefSaver above made a good point on, so I'll wait a while on that, and Fairy I think that whole family are generally peaceful. The Tangs I would get would be a Yellow which I've had before and seemed happy go lucky, or maybe a Gem this time, just because I think a big yellow fish with all the colors of the other fish might be too much idk. The other Tang I would add would be either a Blue Tang, Convict, or Orange Shoulder. I think the Orange Shoulder had something I took note of and wasn't sure about I don't remember now.

 

[Slocke]

I’m very biased but I would always get a yellowtail tamarin wrasse over a gem tang. Much more difficult but prettier and completely peaceful. Not a suggestion, just a personal preference.

Leopard wrasse are less difficult but can be shy. If you find one eating at an LFS then it is a lot easier though. I would get the leopard before any of the tangs. They are shy and tangs may not let one establish.

Fairies are best if kept with other different species of fairies. They will display more and get their best colors that way.

If I were to suggest a wrasse to you I would actually suggest a Halichoeres wrasse. They are like leopards but a lot easier. Radiant, yellow canary, dusky, etc. They would also be most compatible with tangs without risking cleaner shrimp. Many consider Halichoeres a must to control pests too.

 

[reefsaver]

Gem Tangs are also insanely expensive, or in my country they are about $1500-$2500, I do find them beautiful though.
If you're considering a dwarf angel, Flame Angels are awesome but they're a little pricey too considering the FIJI ban.
Chalk Bass are kinda cool, they give the lower area a good amount visual movement
Yellow Coris Wrasse/ Halichoeres chrysus is a great one too
I have a thing for purple/pink orchid dottybacks. They might be small but they really pop.

 

[i cant think]

I'm planning a 180 mixed reef tank ordered etc. Working on the scape have plenty of hiding places and surface area for coral growth. I'm really more of a fish person than coral, as such I really love a wide variety of fish. Some of the fish I want are:
Bangii Cardinals
Clowns
couple of Tangs, thinking Gem or Yellow, and a long body that's not the Powder blue not interested in the aggression despite loving the look
Dart fish or some type of similar body fish

The real headache is with this group, and the group I need a little help with. Gonna have inverts*

Leopard Wrasse
Misc Fairy Wrasses
Squareback Anthias


Fish in consideration if there is room:
Dwarf Angel - best reef safe option Swallow Tail maybe
Lawnmower Blenny
Mandarin Goby



Thank you for the help

If I’m honest, scratch tangs altogether. The powder blue may be notorious for aggression but they’re all nasty when established. I’d opt towards a Foxface - I have 3 in my 5’ 180G with 0 tangs and yet I have no algae;

One thing I would like to know to help further is, what species of wrasses do you want? Will you get your fish from an LFS or shipped?

 

[reefsaver]

If I’m honest, scratch tangs altogether. The powder blue may be notorious for aggression but they’re all nasty when established. I’d opt towards a Foxface - I have 3 in my 5’ 180G with 0 tangs and yet I have no algae;

One thing I would like to know to help further is, what species of wrasses do you want? Will you get your fish from an LFS or shipped?

This is gorgeous mate.

 

[i cant think]

This is gorgeous mate.

Thankyou! That’s honestly not my most impressive system yet but once grown out it definitely will be

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

I’m very biased but I would always get a yellowtail tamarin wrasse over a gem tang. Much more difficult but prettier and completely peaceful. Not a suggestion, just a personal preference.

Leopard wrasse are less difficult but can be shy. If you find one eating at an LFS then it is a lot easier though. I would get the leopard before any of the tangs. They are shy and tangs may not let one establish.

Fairies are best if kept with other different species of fairies. They will display more and get their best colors that way.

If I were to suggest a wrasse to you I would actually suggest a Halichoeres wrasse. They are like leopards but a lot easier. Radiant, yellow canary, dusky, etc. They would also be most compatible with tangs without risking cleaner shrimp. Many consider Halichoeres a must to control pests too.

Totally agree with the Yellow Tail Tamarin (Anampses meleagrides). It’s a gorgeous wrasse that really pops when under our actinic blue reef lights. I got one as a Gem Tang alternative, and for my love of wrasses. I’d suggest ordering one through a LFS you trust as they are horrible shippers, I waited well over 6months but was worth the wait.

A compromise to Leopards would be the Jewelled Wrasse (Halichoeres Lapillus). Has the appearance of a Leopard but can really hold their own, mine stood up to an established male Melanurus and usurped him in the tank’s hierarchy though isn’t aggressive to my other fish or wrasses (black leopard, yellowtail tamarin, china tamarin). I got her from NY Aquatics’ livesale.

(Photo by Joel Sartore)

 

[i cant think]

If we’re giving wrasse options then here’s some of my ideas

1. Pseudojuloides species - if you find a female, the species it is is hard to ID in many cases but you rarely find ones that aren’t gorgeous as males! Here’s just 2 of mine - 1 Female and a Male Edwardi Pencil.

2. Leopard Wrasses are incredible additions, I’d opt to order through an LFS for all wrasses if possible but if you can’t then I believe if you ask sellers to ship with sand they’re willing to comply (Leopards and Tamarins always ship best with sand in the bag). I love my Macropharyngodon meleagris and kuiteri.

3. Another alternative to Leopards if you don’t mind the steep price tag is Gold Nugget Wrasses (Xenojulis margaritaceus). This isn’t my best photo but you can see the male pattern coming in.

4. Halichoeres iridis - Hands down, this is one wrasse I would always have in my collection. Their colours are well, let this photo explain!

5. Whilst this is 5 it is technically also 6. But several Paracheilinus species - after having my first Attenuatus I couldn’t not have one in my gang. Their colours as they develop become incredible. I also love the Rubricaudalis - the female of my “pair” (Ironically I don’t recommend doing pairs of wrasses) is the specimen photographed.

6. And finally, may I recommend the Anampses twistii as an alternative to meleagrides. I find they have been easier to obtain recently. I also have a pair of these but this genus is notoriously easier to pair than other genera.

 

[laxer23]

If I’m honest, scratch tangs altogether. The powder blue may be notorious for aggression but they’re all nasty when established. I’d opt towards a Foxface - I have 3 in my 5’ 180G with 0 tangs and yet I have no algae;

One thing I would like to know to help further is, what species of wrasses do you want? Will you get your fish from an LFS or shipped?

All the fish will be ordered online, Ideally from places that pre-QT. The LFS in my area, well I wouldn't buy anything living from.

 

[laxer23]

Ohh yeah, the Yellowtail Tamarin has the same color pattern of a Gem Tang. Looks really good
The Anampses twistii look great, if they are invert safe that fish is a contender.
Halichoeres iridis Also very pretty, simpler that the Anampses twistii but equally as good looking.

I'll look into these for sure.
Good call with the sand in the bag for ordering Wrasses online, I did read that a while ago and forgot.

The Gold Nugget in i cant think 's post looks awesome, when I google they look idk antique gold/brownish? is that right?

Foxfish I've never kept. I don't know why but they are not my favorite to look at. Not opposed to not having Tangs I would like at least one larger active reef safe fish that is unique. The Yellowtail Tamerin looks solid for a Gem tang replacement. Wasn't too thrilled about spending $800 for a fish. Would have to have a few Bourbons before hitting that complete order button.

I don't want to go all in on a single species. Like full on Wrasse mode, I like a wide variety of fish. Different colors and body types.
That makes it super difficult trying to match all the personalities and compatibilities. It's a real headache haha

The lighting was brought up mentioning that the fishes color under actinic lights make them better. I guess it's worth mentioning, I prefer whiter light, not the blue look. Also with coral, I don't care for the neon corals, they remind me of the black velvet neon posters. I like pastels, maybe an older look compared to what's popular now but ehh I like it.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I'm planning a 180 mixed reef tank ordered etc. Working on the scape have plenty of hiding places and surface area for coral growth. I'm really more of a fish person than coral, as such I really love a wide variety of fish. Some of the fish I want are:
Bangii Cardinals
Clowns
couple of Tangs, thinking Gem or Yellow, and a long body that's not the Powder blue not interested in the aggression despite loving the look
Dart fish or some type of similar body fish

The real headache is with this group, and the group I need a little help with. Gonna have inverts*

Leopard Wrasse
Misc Fairy Wrasses
Squareback Anthias


Fish in consideration if there is room:
Dwarf Angel - best reef safe option Swallow Tail maybe
Lawnmower Blenny
Mandarin Goby



Thank you for the help

I have a coral beauty dwarf angelfish and she is a model citizen with all my corals and everything else. I do understand that Leopard wrasse are difficult to keep. As for a peaceful larger tang, maybe a Naso? They do get rather large, but most folks say a 180 gallon is the minimum to keep them in.

 

[i cant think]

Ohh yeah, the Yellowtail Tamarin has the same color pattern of a Gem Tang. Looks really good
The Anampses twistii look great, if they are invert safe that fish is a contender.
Halichoeres iridis Also very pretty, simpler that the Anampses twistii but equally as good looking.

I'll look into these for sure.
Good call with the sand in the bag for ordering Wrasses online, I did read that a while ago and forgot.

The Gold Nugget in i cant think 's post looks awesome, when I google they look idk antique gold/brownish? is that right?

Foxfish I've never kept. I don't know why but they are not my favorite to look at. Not opposed to not having Tangs I would like at least one larger active reef safe fish that is unique. The Yellowtail Tamerin looks solid for a Gem tang replacement. Wasn't too thrilled about spending $800 for a fish. Would have to have a few Bourbons before hitting that complete order button.

I don't want to go all in on a single species. Like full on Wrasse mode, I like a wide variety of fish. Different colors and body types.
That makes it super difficult trying to match all the personalities and compatibilities. It's a real headache haha

The lighting was brought up mentioning that the fishes color under actinic lights make them better. I guess it's worth mentioning, I prefer whiter light, not the blue look. Also with coral, I don't care for the neon corals, they remind me of the black velvet neon posters. I like pastels, maybe an older look compared to what's popular now but ehh I like it.

Female Gold Nuggets are more antique brown in colour but males are much more vibrant and like the one in my photo

A larger bodied (more) reef safe species could be a Regal Angel, I love mine and she doesn’t touch coral.