Which Leopard Wrasse?

My first choice would be a small Yellow Coris Wrasse. At max size they would be a little big for a 40, but they are a very mellow, colorful and active fish. Second choice would be a Christmas Wrasse.

 

Try a melanarus or corris wrasse for "bug" control =). They may eat your snails and/or shrimp(s), however. Gorgeous wrasses, imo.

 

I was thinking Melanarus or Christmas or possibly a Radiant. I'm not too keen on the Yellow Coris as I am looking for a fish with multiple colors and not just one.

 

If you don't mind, I'm going to copy/paste our PMs into here, merely for an archival purpose.

Here's my bit on "Christmas wrasses": They are 3 different Halichoeres species which are actually sold under the common name (Christmas Wrasse). They are: H. biocellatus, H. claudia, and H. ornatissimus. To me, the best common names on these are Red-lined wrasse, Christmas Wrasse, and Ornate Wrasse, respectively.

That being said, I agree with you, H. ornatissimus is too large for your tank.

You are correct.

I was tempted to include Radiant in my initial recommendations, but I assumed that was more pricey than you'd like to spend. If that's not the case, then I'd recommend a Radiant over a Melanurus. However, a Melanurus is also a suitable choice. I myself I have kept one for over 1.5 years. They are a bit more prone to going after snails and crabs, hence why I'd recommend a Radiant over them.

 

I really don't want to pay more than $60 for my wrasse. If the online vendor at which I have a store credit carried the H. Claudia (Christmas Wrasse) this decision would be easier as I really like the looks of that fish but unfortunately they don't, they have the H. Ornatissimuss which is too big for my tank. I'm intrigued by the Radiant wrasse but for a fish with such a bright sounding name it doesn't look like it has very bright colors which is my one real hesitation with this fish...wish I could see one in person to check out the coloration but that doesn't appear to be in the cards .

 

I never appreciated the Radiant until I saw one in person. I promise they don't photograph all that well.

 

Also, don't underestimate how bright the coloration is on Halichoeres chrysus. And males aren't solid yellow either: