Looking for a Wrasse suggestion...

I have decided I want to add a wrasse to my tank. I really like the looks of some of the flasher wrasses, but was talking to someone who has one today and he was complaining that it never flashes and just looks kinda blah most of the time. Can someone suggest a colorful reef safe wrasse to me? Preferably not orange one...haha.

It will be going in my 65g reef tank.

 

There are quite a few reef-safe wrasses to choose from. Only you can say what will look good in your tank. Check out the selection below.

Wrasse Fish for Sale: Cleaner Wrasse and other Reef Safe Wrasse Species

 

To really get the most out of a flasher wrasse it is best to get a trio with two females and one male.
Personally my favorite genus is halichoeres. In my experience these wrasses look amazing and are very well behaved.

 

I love fairy wrasses. Both mine flash a lot and are gorgeous. They are also a nice size and are very active and fun to watch. You could get a pair of flashers, then the male will stay brilliantly colored and flash often.

 

go with the mystery wrasse. you'll absolutely love its color.

i only saw it once in a friend's tank, and i've been trying to get a hold of one since, but there's hardly any available here.

 

If you get flashers you will need to have 3 as mentioned or 2 males of different species. I agree on the Halichoeres species of wrasses. Paracheilinous are very pretty but become quite belligerent once established in a tank.

 

I have a McCosker's Flasher Wrasse and recently added a White Bellied Wrasse (halichoeres leucoxanthus) to my 65G tank. The McCosker's didn't flash much until I put in the second wrasse and now he flashes all the time. I think he's trying to act tough around the second wrasse but he doesn't bother him. They are both active and fun to watch.

 

all of the above.
The flame wrasse is my favorite wrasse, if you can afford it I would recommend it;D

 

Love wrasses, and the Leopards are my favorites. Simply gorgeous! I have 3 myself.

 

You have a whole lot of choices for a 65gal tank. Price and availability are likely your only limiting factors. However, this is my general advice on wrasses:

1. Must be kept with appropriate tankmates; nothing must be overly aggressive (which does beg the question: what do you have in your tank now?)
2. Must be fed small amounts several times daily. If frequent feedings seems like too much work or the thought of those nutrients in your tank scares you, look elsewhere.
3. Must be kept in A COVERED TANK. I cannot stress this enough. A 5/8" wrasse will find and fit through a 5/8" hole. Your tank must be 100% covered. All wrasses jump; it's just a matter of time if your tank is not covered.

Now, on to the fun part:

Eh, I would not recommend any wrasse of the Paracheilinous genus. Because:

Correct. Also correct on the flasher wrasses. If you don't want to do a pair or trio, 2 males of different species will suffice. Add them at the same time or within a few days of each other and aggression shouldn't be an issue. If they're spaced further apart than that, use an acclimation box for a couple days.

Also, while I see a few mention of Halichoeres wrasses here, I will caution that not all species within that genus are reef safe. Some get quite large and will consume inverts. However, none of the species suitable for a 65gal should be a problem.

All that aside, there are so many species available in the trade, I couldn't even begin to pick one for you. Now, if you specify about what size you'd like it to be once full grown and what color(s) appeal to you, I could make a few suggestions.