Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm looking to add a reef-safe wrasse to my 250L tank, which currently houses 2 humbug damsels and 2 common clowns - all under 3cm. I've shortlisted three fish based on their appearance and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.

I've picked the Purplehead Parrot Wrasse, Exquisite Wrasse, and Leopard Wrasse - now I'm researching their needs and I'd appreciate any input and knowledge you can share.

Thanks.

Purplehead Parrot Wrasse - what do you guys think about this one?

http/www.aquaticlifedirect.co.uk/Fish/Sa...d_Parrot_Wrasse

Exquisite Wrasse - another contender.

http/www.aquaticlifedirect.co.uk/Fish/Sa...xquisite_Wrasse

Leopard Wrasse - my third option.

http/www.aquaticlifedirect.co.uk/Fish/Sa.../Leopard_Wrasse

The first two wrasses you've mentioned have pretty similar needs and are relatively easy to care for. However, I gotta advise against the Leopard Wrasse - they're notoriously tricky to keep.

I'm with you on the Exquisite Wrasse, I've seen them in shops and they really catch the eye - stunning colours.

Had limited success with leopard wrasses in the past, wouldn't recommend them personally.

I've come across cleaner wrasses as an option, but I've also read they can be quite challenging to care for. My experience with delicate fish hasn't been great, I lost my Banner Butterfly fish a few months ago, but that was when my tank was still in its early stages. Now that it's been running for over 6 months and my other fish like the clowns, humbugs, and the anemone are doing well, I'm wondering if the conditions might be more suitable for a more sensitive species.

Honestly, I think these fish should be left in their natural habitat. There just isn't enough of their natural food source in the average aquarium.

Do you mean the cleaner wrasse?

Yeah, the cleaner wrasse. They need a constant supply of parasites from fish to eat, and there just isn't enough of that in a home aquarium to keep them going.

While it's true some cleaner wrasses can be trained to eat prepared foods, I still think your tank isn't the best fit for them. They thrive on having a large number of big fish to feed off, which your tank is currently lacking.

I've had my cleaner wrasse for 5 months now and it's doing great. It's not fussy, eats any frozen food I give it.