Real deal on keeping multiple wrasses (fish-only ones)

[aquaknight]

I'd like to get some input on keeping multiple 'non reef safe' wrasses (tusks and hogs as well) in a tank together (125). From what I have gathered, it seems to be very closely related to keeping large angels, if they are different enough, they seem to be okay.
Here is what I've had or seen work; I had a Harlequin Tusk and Cuban Hogfish together that did fine. I have seen Tusks and most other wrasses work, red coris, lunares, etc, and hogfish with other wrasses. I just seemingly am more drawn to more and more wrasses, but the old adage is that only 1 per tank. We seemingly are being able to keep angels together more frequently w/o conflict. Wonder if the same would hold true for wrasses.
Here's my scenario, I will be doing a H. Tusk and Cuban again, and I think a sixline or yellow coris. I went to the LFS and they had a pair of beautiful Dusky wrasses (SWF link). That would be 5 wrasses. Am I completely out of my mind?

Or omitting the Dusky, and going after one of the rare Thalassoma's (a goldbar or something)? Not a lunare or lime green/banana, but one that stayed under 8". If I get one of those, what about adding one of the larger fairy/flasher wrasses as well?

 

[renogaw]

I know it is completely different situations, but Mike Paletta (the author) keeps a ton of wrasses in his 1200gal tank. The way he introduces them is keeps the new addition in one of those pool skimmer baskets (leaf catchers) in the tank so the wrasses can get used to the new commer and release their aggression towards it onto a plastic container. once they leave the fish alone they get released.
I cannot say what will happen in a comparitively small tank, but might be something you can try if you're afraid of aggression.

 

[pastor b.]

Dear hobbyist , I presently have a Harlequin Tusk , a Corris Wrasse , and a cleaner wrasse which are living together with 9 other fish in my 150 , and they get along just fine . If there's plenty of space for each to swim ,there should be no problem ,but if not, you may be pushing it a bit and may have to upgrade. Wrasses can be mysterious at times , in its harem ,1 male will mate multiple females ,which are a totally different color pattern from the male. Have fun in selecting your wrasses .

 

[aquaknight]

Originally Posted by renogaw
I know it is completely different situations, but Mike Paletta (the author) keeps a ton of wrasses in his 1200gal tank. The way he introduces them is keeps the new addition in one of those pool skimmer baskets (leaf catchers) in the tank so the wrasses can get used to the new commer and release their aggression towards it onto a plastic container. once they leave the fish alone they get released.
I cannot say what will happen in a comparitively small tank, but might be something you can try if you're afraid of aggression.
Hmm, pretty cool idea. I might try that, what else I saw was a laundry basket that would work for larger fish.
The thing I'm semi-worried about, is with wrasses (big ones) it doesn't seem like the short term is the issue, it's when they get old, cranky, and large. The stories about lunare's, err, lunatics that reach 10" and go homocidal and wipe out a tank. I think if I avoid those wrasses and get wrasses that are known to be good community fish I will limit my chances.

 

[paintballer768]

Originally Posted by AquaKnight
Hmm, pretty cool idea. I might try that, what else I saw was a laundry basket that would work for larger fish.
The thing I'm semi-worried about, is with wrasses (big ones) it doesn't seem like the short term is the issue, it's when they get old, cranky, and large. The stories about lunare's, err, lunatics that reach 10" and go homocidal and wipe out a tank. I think if I avoid those wrasses and get wrasses that are known to be good community fish I will limit my chances.
Yea some fish tend to react like that. It seems, at least with a few other fish that Ive read to do that, they "flip" once they reach sexual maturity. Read up on some of the more aggressive ones and it may be a good decision to steer clear of them. Other fish Ive read are almost exclusively wrasses and triggers.

 

[95harley]

I kept a 6.5" H. Tisk and a 6-7" Green Bird Wrasse together in a 240g and they never even looked at each other. The only one that seemed to care was my Queen Angel.
I will try a Coris once he gets big enough. For now he's in my 75g. My tusk was established first and he is not aggresive.
As long as you stock you least agg. fish first.

 

[aquaknight]

Cool, from what I've gathered, it doesn't seem like it's the fact that they're all wrasses, but just that they're a typically aggressive species.
Any input on this stock list or or input on wrasses would be great!
Cuban Hogfish (~ 3")
Leopard Wrasse (unsure of which type, and if getting a bigger one is better)
Yellow Coris (if not a pod hunter, I want pods for clean up)
Dusky or Checkerboard wrasse (~ 4")
H. Tusk (~ 5")
Small Thalssoma wrasse, not lunare or banana (3"-4")
Unsure of other fish, only definite is a Sargassum Trigger. Fish will be QT'ed in a 55gal (divided for a bit till they're familiar with each other). The leopard will go into a 12gal with sand. I might move the Tusk up a bit, my one before did great with new fish, let them know he was boss, but never harassed.