Best fairy wrasse for 29 that wont eat my pods.

[dustint]

I am in the market for a new fish and really like the smaller fairy wrasse. Any opinions on the best ones to look for? I have a 29, and Im trying to build my pod population back up from my 6-line's appetite(no longer in my tank). So I need one that wont go after my pods.

Thanks alot,
Dustin

 

[danmhippo]

Isn't that the reason you grow pods?

You may want to try other species such as pseudochromis, although they too eats pods.......but a slower pace.

Most if not all flasher wrass are exellent pod terminator.

 

[dustint]

So all fairy wrasse feed on pods?

 

[dustint]

OK, let me rephrase the question. I had a six line wrasse that did nothing, and I mean nothing, but hunt my live rock for pods. He was on constant patrol, 24 7. I have a fire fish, he does nothing but sit and wiggle his fin. I have a maroon clown that cares for his home and waits to be fed. Ive had damsels, gobies, blennies, and angelfish that did more or less the same: Care for there home(defend or clean etc) and wait to be fed.

So again, does a fairy wrasse species exist that doesnt hunt pods as a primary source of food. This seems really obvious to me. Im looking for feedback like yes this species is more pod safe than others, or no they all will deplete your pod populations as they constantly hunt for pods.

Id really appreciate some good input here as I was hoping to make a purchase this weekend.

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Dustin

 

[jamesw]

Hi Dustin,

The answer is a qualified no. All wrasses (Labrids) eat microfauna. That is what they are "made" to do.

Some do eats less than others though, such as the fairy wrasses (Cirrhalabrus sp)which aslo eat plankto out of the water column. Unfortunately, this kind of wrasse grows too large for a 29g tank.

You might try looking at the flasher or "filamant" wrasse. They are small(er), very pretty, and also eat out of the water column some, as well as eating microfauna.

HTH
James

 

[dustint]

Thanks for the response james. You can never really tell this type of behavior till you get the fish home and relaxed in your tank. I have read a few conflicting things about wrasse behavior, and it sounds like they all have a fondness toward eating as many pods as they can find. To say a fish eats pods is true for all fish. But the six line does nothing but eat pods! I will look into your suggestion and see if I can find a small one.

thanks again,
Dustin

 

[whirley]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but most fish will eat pods.

whirley

 

[Len]

Flasher wrasses (Paracheilinus sp.) are a better choice for a 29 gallon. As far as "pod-safe," few fish are more safe then these two genus. And yes, both Cirrhilabrus and Paracheilinus are prolific jumpers.

There are some smaller Cirrhilabrus that you may keep. Check out:
http://www.reefscapes.net/articles/articles/2002/cirrhilabrus1.html

Sorry for the plug, but I don't feel like rewriting texts I've already written

 

[M.E.Milz]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

You might try looking at the flasher or "filamant" wrasse. They are small(er), very pretty, and also eat out of the water column some, as well as eating microfauna.

A very good suggestion. They can be, however, jumpers (as most wrasses tend to be).