BiomesInaBox

Category: Wrasse

  • Pink Streaked Wrasse – Complete Care Guide

    The Pink Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia) is a beautiful species of wrasse with various pink, orange, and blue colorations. As its name suggests, the Pink Streak Wrasse has horizontal “streaks” throughout its body. They’re a very peaceful fish species and are generally easy to care for. This guide will dive deeper into the Pink Streak Wrasse’s aquarium requirements, dietary needs, tank mate compatibility, and breeding.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Sometimes called the Pink Streaked Pygmy Wrasse, this fish species is an excellent choice for many different saltwater aquariums, including nano fish tanks because they only grow to 2.5 inches. I recommend keeping them in 20 gallons or larger aquariums, but if you have plenty of saltwater experience, they can thrive in reef tanks as small as 10 gallons. I also recommend providing them with plenty of live rock of different sizes because they are often very shy when first introduced into the aquarium.

    Many wrasses are known to jump out of the fish tank. That’s no different with the Pink Streaked Wrasse. I recommend a well-fitted lid to prevent this from happening.

    Water Paremeters

    Having stable water parameters is an important aspect of keeping a successful saltwater aquarium. The following are water parameters this species does best under.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Are Pink Streaked Wrasse Reef Safe?

    Pink Streaked Wrasses are reef safe. They should not bother any desirable coral or invertebrate in the aquarium. You will often see this species of fish weave in between different kinds of coral, but it will not bother them. They may nibble on nuisance inverts like bristleworms and flatworms.

    Food & Diet

    This species is carnivorous, so they will need a protein-rich diet. A good source of protein will be Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and other meaty foods found at fish stores. I recommend giving them pellet food as well, to provide a well-rounded diet. For pellet food, the New Life Spectrum Marine Formula is a good choice, but many different brands can be used. Lastly, it never hurts to provide flake food for this wrasse.

    Tank Mates

    Pink Streak Wrasses are very peaceful. They will mostly mind to themselves and are more likely to be picked on by other fish due to their docile nature. They’re amazing for community saltwater fish tanks. They will do great with fish like Clownfish, Chromis, Gobies, Cardinalfish, Butterflies, Jawfish, Dwarf Angels, Tangs, and Blennies. I would be a little cautious when adding them with fish that use the same space in the aquarium, like Dottybacks and other Wrasses.

    I would not recommend them with predatory fish or fish that get incredibly large. Keep them away from Eels, Triggers, Groupers, Large Angels, Anglers, and many other types of large aggressive fish. They will either get picked on or become food for the large fish.

    Breeding

    I have never bred this species of fish before, but I have read that fish keepers have kept them in small groups. There is not much information on successfully breeding Pink Streaked Wrasses, but you can distinguish between males and females fairly easily because they are sexually dichromatic. Males will have more vibrant streaks of yellow and the females will have a blue coloring over their gills. Regardless, of being able to distinguish between male and female, I feel like the Pink Streaked Wrasse, like many other saltwater fish will be incredibly difficult to breed successfully in a home aquarium.

    Final Notes

    There are a lot of different species of Wrasses available in this hobby. The Pink Streak Wrasse is considered one of the best for reef aquariums. They have gorgeous colorations and are incredibly peaceful. If you’re setting up a nano reef, consider getting a Pink Streaked Wrasse. If you are not sold on this species, check out other reef-safe Wrasses available in this hobby. It is a growing list of species, so stay tuned for future updates.

  • Sixline Wrasse – Complete Care Guide

    Sixline Wrasse – Complete Care Guide

    Sixline Wrasse Facts

    The Sixline Wrasse sometimes spelled Six Line Wrasse, or 6 Line Wrasse, is a species of fish commonly found in the aquarium keeping hobby. This species has six distinct horizontal lines running across its body. It has striking purple, pink, and green colorations on its body. It is an iconic species in fish-only aquariums or reef tanks. There is a general misconception about this fish. Some people ask, “Are Sixline Wrasse evil?” The answer is no, they’re not evil but they can become territorial so it’s common to introduce this wrasse later into your aquarium. This allows other fish to establish their territories. This article will discuss Six Line Wrasse Aquarium Requirements, Food & Diet, Common Tank Mates, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Sixline Wrasse grows to a max size of about 3 inches. It will do well in both fish-only and reef tanks that are 30 gallons or larger. They do best in a fish tank filled with live rock with holes of varying sizes. This will allow them to be active and explore, while also providing them with cover when stressed. Like many other wrasse species, the Six Line Wrasse can jump out of the fish tank. Consider providing a well-fitted cover to prevent jumping.

    Food & Diet

    The Six Line Wrasse is a carnivore. It will likely feed on flatworms, copepods, and bristleworms in the aquarium, but they should be provided with additional food such as Mysis Shrimp and Brine Shrimp. They will readily take pellet food and flake food. They are not picky eaters, but if you have one that isn’t eating, consider soaking its food in Selcon or Garlic. Check out this article that talks about some of the benefits of feeding garlic to fish.

    Tank Mates

    Overall, the Sixline should do perfectly fine with most peaceful fish in an aquarium. This includes Clownfish, Firefish, Dwarf Angelfish, Anthias, Blennies, and much more. They should do well with larger fish such as Foxface, Butterflyfish, and Tangs. I would avoid keeping them with fish that may make a snack out of your Sixline Wrasse such as Groupers and Pufferfish. Other Wrasses may be attacked by the Sixline Wrasse as well.

    The Six Line Wrasse is reef safe. It will do well with snails, shrimp, hermit crabs, and coral. Keeping Cleaner Shrimp with Sixline Wrasse should be perfectly fine. If you see them picking on coral, they’re likely just picking out the flatworms, or bristleworms within.

    Breeding

    Because of their territorial nature, I would not keep more than one Sixline Wrasse in an aquarium. This makes breeding almost impossible.

    Final Notes

    The Sixline Wrasse is a great addition to any reef tank. As long as you are cautious about their territorial habits, you should have great success with this easy-to-care-for fish. They’re usually great about eating pests such as bristleworms and flatworms. They also provide plenty of activity in a fish tank. If your fish tank allows, really consider getting yourself a Six Line Wrasse!

  • Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse – Complete Care Guide

    Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse Facts

    The Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse also known as the Pygmy Possum Wrasse is a species of carnivorous saltwater fish found in this hobby. It is a peaceful fish with beautiful red, orange, and yellow coloration on its body. The Banded Possum Wrasse stays relatively small and is an excellent fish for fish-only and reef tanks. Pygmy Possum Wrasses are known to come with internal parasites. It is recommended to quarantine your fish and medicate them before adding them into the aquarium. This article will go into detail on the Possum Wrasse’s aquarium needs, food & diet, and compatible tank mates.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Because the Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse’s max size is 3″, it will do well in aquariums that are 10 gallons or larger. It is important to provide plenty of hiding spaces in the aquarium. Most hobbyists use live rock to provide a natural aquascape for their saltwater fish tanks.

    A tightly fitted lid is also recommended for the aquarium because the Pygmy Possum Wrasse is known to jump out of the aquarium.

    Food & Diet

    The Possum Wrasse is a carnivorous animal, it is very important to provide it with high-quality foods such as Mysis Shrimp, Spirulina Brine Shrimp, and Pellet/Flake Food. They are not known to be finicky eaters and usually readily take food when introduced into a fish tank. If they are stubborn and avoid eating food, consider mixing the food with Selcon or soaking the food in garlic before feeding. Check out this article about the benefits of dipping your fish food in garlic.

    Tank Mates

    In appropriately sized aquariums, Yellow Banded Possum Wrasses should do well with other peaceful saltwater fish. It should be fine with clownfish, dwarf angelfish, firefish, tangs, foxfaces, and much more. I would avoid keeping them with fish that can fit the Possum Wrasse in its mouth. I would also avoid mixing wrasses because many do not get along.

    In a large enough aquarium, 1 male can be housed with multiple females. The males are often more vibrantly colored compared to the females of the species. If possible, I would introduce them all at the same time, or introduce the females first and bring in the male after the females are established.

    This wrasse species is reef safe. It should not bother any of your coral or invertebrates. The Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse may eat flatworms and bristleworms but if you have an outbreak of bristle/flatworms, I have more confidence in different wrasse species such as the Sixline Wrasse, Yellow Wrasse, or Melanurus Wrasse.

    Breeding

    I do not have any information regarding breeding. Many saltwater fish are incredibly hard or impossible to breed in an aquarium.

    Final Notes

    Possum Wrasses are interesting fish that can be kept in a reef tank or fish-only aquarium. Their unique body and coloration make them a fantastic addition to your aquarium. They’re also great because they can be added to nano saltwater tanks. If you have more information on Possum Wrasses please share!

  • Harlequin Tusk – Complete Care Guide

    Harlequin Tusk – Complete Care Guide

    Harlequin Tusk Facts

    Harlequin Tusk fish (Choerodon fasciatus) is a species of saltwater wrasse that can be found in the Indian Ocean and Australia. They are very similar in appearance in both regions however, the Australian Harlequin Tusk has more pronounced blue streaks running vertically throughout its body. This fish species always gets heads turning because of its eye-catching coloration. On top of the beautiful colors on this fish, it also sports blue pointy teeth that will make you think twice before putting your hand in the fish tank.

    Choerodon fasciatus will be 10 inches when it is fully grown. You should also be very cautious if you plan on keeping this fish in a reef tank. This guide will discuss why and also how to care for Harlequin Tusks. If you know all about the Harlequin Tusks, consider checking out 5 Unique Predatory Fish for Saltwater Aquariums!

    Aquarium Requirements

    Because of how large Choerodon fasciatus becomes, it is recommended for fish tanks that are 125 gallons or larger. The aquarium itself should have plenty of rockwork that creates different sized caves for the Harlequin Tusk. Juveniles of this species are often very timid so it is great to provide hiding spaces.

    Most saltwater fish have similar water parameter requirements. That is not any different with Harlequins. This fish does best under the following water parameters:

    • Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • DKH: 8-12
    • pH: 8.1-8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020-1.025 sg

    From my experiences and research, it does not seem like Harlequin Tusks are known to be jumpers. However, a well-fitted lid is always recommended because you never know with fish.

    Is the Harlequin Tusk Reef Safe?

    These fish are cautiously kept in reef tanks, primarily because although they will not eat your coral, they will devour most invertebrates that are in the aquarium. However, they are often kept in Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) aquariums.

    Food and Diet

    The Harlequin Tusk fish is strictly a carnivorous fish. They hunt and prey on small invertebrates such as snails, crabs, shrimp, and more in the wild. Their diet should replicate something similar to what they would eat in the wild. When they are small, they can be fed an assortment of Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and Krill. Once they are older, Mysis Shrimp and Brine Shrimp may not sustain a hungry Harlequin Tusk. I would recommend feeding it larger meaty foods such as Krill, Clam on a Half shell, and squid. They may also eat large pellets and flake food. Most invertebrates are not safe with this fish in the aquarium. Harlequin Tusks and Cleaner Shrimp are not even a safe combination.

    Do Harlequin Tusk Eat Aptasia

    There is very little information on whether Harlequin Tusks eat aptasia. I can safely assume that they will not eat aptasia because they will not mess with coral or anemones in a reef tank. If anyone has any concrete information on this, please share! If you need to remove aptasia, consider purchasing peppermint shrimp but beware because they may destroy other coral.

    Do Harlequin Tusk Eat Bristleworms?

    Being invertebrates and Harlequin Tusks being wrasses, I can assume that this fish species will eat bristleworms. Perhaps not as well as a Sixline Wrasse or Arrow Crab, but Harlequin Tusks should eat some bristleworms when the opportunity arises. However, I do not have concrete evidence to prove this.

    Do Harlequin Tusk Eat Clams?

    Most of the searching I have done assumes that Harlequin Tusks do not eat clams. Being the rowdy carnivores that they are, I would still be a little cautious owning clams and Harlequins.

    Tank Mates

    The Harlequin Tusk has a reputation for starting life as a small timid fish, but it becomes more aggressive once it settles into a fish tank and grows. Choerodon fasciatus should be kept with fish that grow larger and can hold their own. I would recommend fish such as Triggerfish, Surgeonfish/tangs, Lionfish, large Angelfish, and Groupers. Smaller fish such as Chromis, Clownfish, Firefish, and many others are commonly eaten by Harlequin Tusks. Also, there may be increased aggression and fighting towards other wrasses.

    Can you Keep More Than One Harlequin Tusk?

    The simple answer is no. Harlequin Tusks become incredibly territorial and aggressive when they are grown and will fight others of their species. They wreak havoc on other fish and wrasses of different species, so it’s a bad idea to consider adding two Choerodon fasciatus together. Our aquariums are not large enough to comfortably keep more than one in a system.

    Breeding

    Breeding is not really possible with this species in an aquarium setting. They are incredibly territorial and will fight their own species. Also, it’s incredibly hard and/or impossible to determine whether saltwater fish are males or females.

    Final Notes

    Harlequin Tusks are probably one of the most beautiful saltwater fish available. If you can look passed their temperament (and their cost) I would highly recommend them if you have the correct setup. If you’re not ready to pick up a Harlequin Tusk, check out some other fish that are great for 30 Gallon Aquariums.