5 Bar/ Mystery Wrasse -> Pseudochelinus ocellatus...

[monkeyboy]

I've heard conflicting stories of Pseudochelinus ocellatus being reef safe. After seeing Len's in www.reefscapes.net (and was absolutely blown out of my chair) I've been doing some research on them so I could possibly introduce one to my new tank. Sooo, after reading some and talking to a few people i've heard both yes they're reef safe and no they can go after shrimp. Anyone w/ first hand experience with these guys care to share experience?

The reason I ask is because eventually i would like to have a small group of sexy shrimp, and usually having a fish that snacks on them isn't the best way to have a happy group.

Here's a pic -> 5 Bar
The one pictured is Pseudocheilinis ocellicaudus but they look similar. Thanks!!!

 

[ACROPHORIA1]

i here they can eat YOU!!!!!!!!

 

[Super Len]

The specimen Marine Center is selling is the P.oscellatus. They simply mispelled theirs (as they do with several other species).

These guys will eat shrimp; At least mine does. It may possibly leave established shrimp alone. My specimen consumed a shrimp that was introduced well after the wrasse was, so it may have regarded the shrimp as food.

FWIW, I consider the fish "reef-safe" for all intensive purposes. It's just not "crustacean-safe"

 

[monkeyboy]

Leonard, thanks for the reply. What kind of shrimp was it? Possibly a small cleaner? I'll have to get some larger cleaners established before then i guess, maybe i'll keep the sexy shrimp in a refugium. Kind of bummed out... They're just so darn cool!!!

 

[Super Len]

Actually, it was a rather large cleaner shrimp. It's amazing what these guys can cram into their mouths. It made really quick work of the shrimp.

P.oscellatus is an amazing fish, and IMO, worth the sacrifice of not being able to keep shrimps. If you have refugium, keep the shrimps there and you can have the best of both worlds.

 

[monkeyboy]

True, true, I think i'll do that, thanks Len!

 

[ACROPHORIA1]

hey monkey time for the 175 bow need more room want to much more
jeff

 

[monkeyboy]

Thanks Jeff for all the helpful advice!

Whoa, this Service Temporarily Unavailable thing is really starting to get to me, takes like 5 reloads to get a post on this site!!!

 

[ACROPHORIA1]

and here i was thinking it was my computer that was slow

 

[jreef1]

I have had one for several months and never had a problem. He typically, like a 6-line (same family), hunts for pods during the day and will greedily eat frozen preparations and flakes. I am suprised anyone has had a problem.