Requesting input on new fish

[SevTT]

I've got a 29g tank going and I'm thinking about adding a flasher wrasse or two. Currently, the tank has two false percs, a six-line wrasse, multiple shrimp, an anemone, and corals. (See my thread on the tank threads forum.)

Good idea/bad idea? Would two be too many fish in a small tank? Would my six-line be a problem?

 

[KathyC]

The six line could possibly be an issue due to their often miserable personality.
How long has he been in the tank?
If the six line goes ballastic on any new fish, you might consider re-homing him.

Be sure to research whatever new fish you are considering and pay particular attention to the adult size of the new fish and their requirements for tank size. You'll need to aim for the smaller sized wrasses. IMO the McCoskers Flasher is a good choice sue to it's smaller size.
Also be aware of their appetite for ornamental shrimp..and the fact that they tend to be jumpers, so be sure the tank is covered!
A m/f pair might be nice

 

[greggnyce]

Six line will definatley be a problem. IMO. I had one in my old 90 gallon and it would chase any other wrasse relentlessly.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

6 line will harass and possibly kill them, get the 6 line out then you should be good.

 

[Master Shake]

the six line is a definite problem.

 

[albano]

:shhh: time to post 6 line in FS/FT forum

 

[duke62]

Hmmmmm 2 years and my 6 line is a great addition to my tank..never bothers a soul even when i add a new fish

 

[SevTT]

The six line could possibly be an issue due to their often miserable personality.
How long has he been in the tank?
If the six line goes ballastic on any new fish, you might consider re-homing him.

Be sure to research whatever new fish you are considering and pay particular attention to the adult size of the new fish and their requirements for tank size. You'll need to aim for the smaller sized wrasses. IMO the McCoskers Flasher is a good choice sue to it's smaller size.
Also be aware of their appetite for ornamental shrimp..and the fact that they tend to be jumpers, so be sure the tank is covered!
A m/f pair might be nice

The six-line's been in the tank for ... about three months now; he was added early on, shortly after the clownfish. The most that this particular six-line has done is harass my cleaner shrimp when they were smaller. (It's ignored my sexy shrimp, but, then, they usually hide in a hammer coral during the day.) In any case, I'd rather have the six-line; he's an aceol flatworm vacuum, to the point where I just don't have to worry about them, and that kinda service is invaluable.

And, yeah, I was thinking a M/F pair of McCoskers, after looking around.

Hrm. The six-line hasn't displayed any aggression to other fish in the past, but, then, I also haven't had any other wrasses in the tank. Hrmph. Do you think it's worth taking a chance while keeping an eye on them -- I take it that this tends to be more of a harass-and-pick campaign than all out fights-to-the-death -- or is it just a Bad Idea, not worth risking?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Hrm. The six-line hasn't displayed any aggression to other fish in the past

I will, eventually it will. Mine was great for almost 3 years. He then turned into a terror.

 

[KathyC]

The six-line's been in the tank for ... about three months now; he was added early on, shortly after the clownfish. The most that this particular six-line has done is harass my cleaner shrimp when they were smaller. (It's ignored my sexy shrimp, but, then, they usually hide in a hammer coral during the day.) In any case, I'd rather have the six-line; he's an aceol flatworm vacuum, to the point where I just don't have to worry about them, and that kinda service is invaluable.

And, yeah, I was thinking a M/F pair of McCoskers, after looking around.

Hrm. The six-line hasn't displayed any aggression to other fish in the past, but, then, I also haven't had any other wrasses in the tank. Hrmph. Do you think it's worth taking a chance while keeping an eye on them -- I take it that this tends to be more of a harass-and-pick campaign than all out fights-to-the-death -- or is it just a Bad Idea, not worth risking?

Not a risk worth taking IMO.
It's rare to find a six line that remains passive, some turn aggressive earlier than other. You do have another option...you could get a different type of 6 line
If you do re-home the current one, there is a type of 6-line called a Cryptic 6-Line (I'm sure one of our vendors could find one for you, tho they can be a little pricey). I understand they eat the same kind of things as a regular 6-line, but they are known as a non-aggressive fish.
Mine just sails around the tank and minds his own business. If a larger fish comes along - he goes into the rock. They top out at about 1 1/4" long.
They are also way too small to be messing with any shrimp
Here is a pic of one with other fish for size comparison.

 

[SevTT]

Hrm. Is that fish also known as the pink-streaked wrasse? 'Cause I can find like one source for "cryptic six-line wrasse", but it looks like a pink-streak and pink-streaks are apparently sometimes AKA "weird six-line".

 

[KathyC]

Yup - same fish.
Pseudocheilinops ataenia
They are hard to find and there is little info on the web about them for sure, but they are a great little fish.

I've had for about 3 years - extremely docile