Melanurus Wrasse 3 Year Update

An update on the development and behavior of my Melanurus Wrasse

[@johnatella8498]

You are the first person I've heard say eat their snails. Argh! I just bought a male and female because I heard that they didn't. Do they go after the big ones or just the little ones. I've got a bunch of large reproducing Turbos.

[@jesterscorner879]

Be aware Wrasses don't pair and most usually end up transitioning to male. They form harems in the wild. As for snails they will definitely pick them off periodically.

[@johnatella8498]

How do you quarantine Melanurus?

[@jesterscorner879]

Admittedly I didn't QT him. I just go for active fish that eat well at my LFS .

[@taylord9772]

Can I add him with my yellow coris in 75 Gallon

[@jesterscorner879]

Possibly. Melanurus can be territorial with other Wrasses but given that the Yellow is already in there it gives you higher odds of success.

[@jesterscorner879]

Here is the 4 year update for those who are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enK9aXqgfb2eqcU

[@deusarlenu6185]

Im planing on turning my 36 gallon tank into a saltwater fish only tank no corals and i might be moving within a year do u think i could do it and the move wouldnt be to hard or should i wait till i move

[@jesterscorner879]

Wait until you move. The process is nerve wracking at best so if you can save having to move the tank it's worth it.

[@deusarlenu6185]

@@jesterscorner879 ok thanks for letting me know i have one more question how fast has it grown becuse some sites say half an inch to an inch every 3 years!?

[@jesterscorner879]

Half inch to an inch per year.

[@tricktaylor1983]

Had mine 48 hours and so far so good...he hid for a good fee hours. Houdinied me... have no idea where he went in a 55 gallon tank. But he has been iut ever since. My shrimp and crabs seem ok but my clam might be an issue as hes been closed up all day. I saw him nipping at spaghetti worms on the clams shell. Byt hr definitely was hitting it too hard. Theres no shortage of pods and worms in there. I hope he doesnt nip the clam. I had a tiny six line wrasse for 2 days and he really dissappeared. So i got thus gut and happy. Beautiful fish

[@jesterscorner879]

Generally they will bury in the sand when you first get them. They can be okay with larger established shrimp but smaller shrimp or shrimp added after the Melanurus can be on the menu. You will definitely loose hermit crabs with him in the tank. Larger crabs might be okay. No idea on clams. Melanurus are definitely aggressive hunters. If it turns out that it bothers things too much you could look at a yellow or Red Lined Wrasse as an alternative. Similar species just not as prone to being as aggressive of a hunter.

[@soulpatrolhawaii5409]

How long did it take to attain it's bright color?

[@jesterscorner879]

Mine took about 2 years as I bought it as a young juvie (was only about 2.5 inches when I got it).

[@soulpatrolhawaii5409]

@@jesterscorner879 Thanks. I’ve had mine for a month and changing colors now - very cool fish!

[@soulpatrolhawaii5409]

@@jesterscorner879 Thanks. I’ve had mine for a month and changing colors now - very cool fish!

[@miguelestrella7161]

Excuse me a question will be compatible with a clam

[@jesterscorner879]

Not sure as they can be curious with any invert. Red Lined or Christmas Wrasse might be a better choice in that respect.

[@strike31337]

Looks like Tamarin to me

[@jesterscorner879]

The lighting can make it a bit difficult to tell but it is a Melanurus.

[@milothechihuahuabrunetandmommy]

Beautiful fish tank

[@jesterscorner879]

Thanks

[@kabirthepunjabi]

Juvanull

[@davidnowparvar2209]

One of my favorite wrasse

[@jesterscorner879]

Yes they are a great wrasse to have

[@taylord9772]

Just got mine yesterday and he hasn’t left the sand is that normal ?

[@jesterscorner879]

Very. There are times when they can stay buried for a few weeks when you first add them. Once they get comfortable though they will develop a regular schedule.

[@taylord9772]

@@jesterscorner879 ok thanks and do you think he will kill my pistol shrimp ?

[@jesterscorner879]

It is definitely possible. Mine killed a cleaner shrimp. Corals, Urchins and Conch Snails are about the only inverts that they will leave alone.

[@viveknathmishra9955]

Is he still alive?

[@jesterscorner879]

Unfortunately he passed away a few months ago. I had him about 5 years. I now have a Christmas/Red Lined Wrasse in his place.

[@viveknathmishra9955]

@@jesterscorner879 5 years. Impressive! Keep updating us about Christmas wrasse