tail spot wrasse.....reef safe?

the titles pretty self explanatory. i really want one of these fish... but ive heard larger ones can terrorize snails and hermit crabs. but then ive also heard of people keeping them with no trouble. which story is more accurate?

 

If you're talking about Halichoeres melanurus , then yes, one of the best reef wrasses out there. If that's not the fish you are referring to, then please post the scientific name.

 

yup thats the one

 

I agree.

 

Umm, with the scientific name you've given, I found it in the fish only tank section here. It is known to eat feather duster worms, snails, and shrimp. It's also a fairly large specimen, requiring a minimum tank size of 50 gal.

 

I wouldn't say best, but certainly acceptable in a reef tank. They may go after your snails when/if they are flipped over, and they might pick on your hermits if given the opportunity. If you are okay with these caveats, proceed.

 

Plus the possibility of them going after feather dusters.

 

wouldnt the feather dusters just go hide in their tube if they were attacked?

 

Yes but the wrasse can still sneak up on them at times.

 

Snails can hide in their shells too, but it doesn't do much good if the wrasse is persistent.