The Best Reef Wrasses - An Introduction

Good choice on the melanurus wrasse.

Now, I read the article posted, and what I see is a glaring omission of the Halichoeres wrasses, which are easily the best reef wrasses you can put in your tank.

As daniel posted, the melanurus, which is one of the halichoeres wrasses is known to eat many invasive species that plague reef tanks. All Halichoeres wrasses will eat flatworms, which if they don't have a predator to keep them in check, will overrun a tank in short time.

The Halichoeres wrasses will also eat pyramellid snails, so if you plan on havinga clam, a halichoeres is a wise and colorful fish to have in your tank. Pyramellid snails will kill clams, and they are a favorite food of halichoeres wrasses.

Beyond those great reasons to have a halichoeres wrasse, loo at these reasons...
melanurus
http://www.marinecenter.com/media/photos/FE5A99DD69DA4F15A9772D9E68177620.jpg
Christmas
http://www.marinecenter.com/media/photos/67767934E07C40CFB950E5EC88B66DB2C.jpg
And my favorite, the Radiant wrasse, which I just finally got one today
http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/images/products/Fish/large/halichoeres_iridis.jpg


And a little more on them...
Halichoeres


About the only downside to these wrasses is that they typically will eat featherdusters as well. But IMHO, that isa small trade off given what they do, and their activity and colors.

 

horkn, GREAT GREAT GREAT post. I love the radiants also but the price tag just wouldn't work for me. I have a blue jaw trigger that will go after most things as soon as they are added to the tank but then leaves them alone. I couldn't risk the bluejaw going after a 100+dollar fish and losing him. The melanurus has done well in my tank. He's only about 3 inches now but an absolutely great addition. Especially for the price tag. IMO the prettiest fish we can add for under 40 bucks