Wrasse: Fish-Only Tanks

The Wrasse we list below because of their natural diet are not suited for a reef aquarium. Their natural diet includes consuming snails, crabs, small shrimp, fan worms, and many corals. Instead these Wrasse ARE recommended for either a FO (Fish Only) aquarium or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium. The wrasses we recommend are excitingly active and beautiful fish. Perfect for the moderate to large size aquarium. FOWLR Aquariums Are Excellent For Many Wrasses The definition of a FOWLR aquarium is one that contains Fish and Liverock only (Fish Only With Live Rock). A FOWLR setup has an advantage over a fish-only (FO) aquarium in that the live rock in a FOWLR system adds biological filtration. In addition, FOWLR setups are typically less expensive, easier to keep, and less demanding than coral reef aquariums. These can be just about any size aquarium from small to large predator tanks.​ FOWLR Aquariums differ mostly to Reef Aquariums by the lack of corals in them. They are great for some of the exciting wrasses that unfortunately enjoy eating coral. Generally you do not have to have the amount of lighting and flow required for Reef Aquariums, often T5 lighting will be great and inexpensive. The idea behind the FOWLR Aquarium is to show off the fish to greater effect, so many aquarist will use a combination of red, purple and pink bulbs to enhance the colouration of the aquarium fish. Many Wrasses Are Excellent Aquarium Fish Wrasses are a very large species with over 600 currently described, divided into over 80 genera. An interesting observation with wrasses all over the world is that many have significant changes in both body shaoe and coloration as they go from juvenile to their adult phase. Coloration also plays into sex with the males exhibiting brighter more exciting colors than the female. Many wrasses are perfect for aquariums, while some are more difficult and should be for the more advanced aquarist there are wrasses that are perfect for the beginner saltwater aquarist. Wrasses do have certain needs and their aquariums must meet those needs. Wrasses love to swim fast darting around their territory so they must have larger aquariums with a lot of open areas for swimming. Along with open areas they require live rock aquascaping that allows them to swim in and out of the rock structures. The rock areas are used for swimming in and out of, taking shelter, and in the wild for hunting for food. Many genera of wrasse require deep sand beds for escape/to feel safe and sleep at night. Finally some wrasses are very bold and hardy, and others are very timid. Make sure your choices reflect the marine life you are choosing for your aquarium. Every aquarist, at some time or another, should own a wrasse, or even several. There’s a wrasse for every tank, and for every habitat. With proper research, consideration, forethought and care, with such a stunning group of fish which will continue to reward you for years of enjoyment. Special Note: When you see "Aquarium Conditioned" on one of our featured saltwater fish, it means the fish have gone through our Aquarium Conditioning Process which is up to 60 days long, depending on species. During this time the arriving ocean fresh fish first go through Quarantine, then go into our aquarium life systems. In our aquarium life systems they will get used to aquarium life and we work on getting them to eat well through a special process we use to change ocean fresh saltwater fish over to our aquarium conditioned fish. The process includes enough time to let us have confidence sending marine fish to you knowing they will do well in proper aquarium conditions and they will also eat well, which are the two most important factors if you expect a long life saltwater aquarium fish.

Aquarium Conditioned Harlequin Tusk Lienardella fasciata YouTube Video Feeding Harlequin Tusk Description: The Harlequin Tusk originates from the reefs of the Indian Ocean and Australia. Indian Ocean Tusks have orange stripes with white margins and a hint of blue adjacent to the tail of the fish. Australian Tusks have orange stripes with vivid blue margins starting from the pectoral fin, along the fishes back to their tail. Both of these beautiful color forms have bright blue teeth or tusks used to crunch invertebrates. They are a wonderful fish for a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium. These fish are typically shy when at a small size, but will in time gain personality and confidence as they mature. Tank Recommendations: A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock is the perfect environment. Perfect for the Fish Only or FOWLR tank because though they do not harm corals, they will eat small crustacean including snails, crabs and some shrimp. Tank-mates recommended should be moderately aggressive, active fish, including Angels, Surgeon Tangs, and smaller less aggressive Triggers. Food and diet:Feed a varied diet of chopped meaty foods such as fresh shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, clams, chopped beef heart. For the health of your fish it is always desirable to soak all fish food including algae with vitamins to help keep your fish healthier and less susceptible to disease. Try to feed at least two to three times a day In the wild they feed constantly while performing their normal cleaning activities, in the aquarium they should be fed several times a day. Reef Compatability: Not recommended. Will not bother corals, but will eat snails and crabs. Peaceful with most fish. Level of Care: Moderate Approximate Purchase Size:Small 2" to 3" Medium 3" to 4-1/2" Large 4-1/2" to 6" XLarge 6" to 7" XXLarge 7" to 9" Small Indonesian$149.99 Medium Indonesian$179.99 Large Indonesian$199.99 Large Australia$269.99 XLarge Australia$419.99 XXLarge Australia$569.99 Select Small Indonesia Medium Indonesia Large Indonesia Large Australia XLarge Australia XXLarge Australia	Aquarium Conditioned Paddlefin Wrasse Thalassoma lucasanum YouTube Video of Paddlefin Wrasse Description: The Paddlefin Wrasse is also referred to as the Rainbow or Cortez Rainbow Wrasse. As a juvenile they are mostly black in color with a yellow and pink belly. As they mature into an adult, their body takes on a reddish coloration, and the head area and fins become blue to green in color. The adult coloration also has a bright yellow band located just behind the head. Paddlefin Wrasses are one of the smaller wrasse within the genus growing only to about 7" maximum, and makes a wonderful addition to a fish only saltwater aquarium. Tank Recommenations: A 75 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock . Somewhat agressive, therefore only put in with other aggressive tank mates. The Paddlefin Wrasse becomes territorial in the aquarium therefore because of the aggressive behavior either place most of your fish in the tank at the same time, or make the Paddlefin Wrasse your last addition to the tank. One other possibility is to rearrange the entire tanks liverock so all the fish are once again finding a new home (territory). This works very well. Wrasses are known jumpers so the aquarium top should be covered. Food and diet: Feed a varied diet of chopped meaty foods such as fresh shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, clams, chopped beef heart. For the health of your fish it is always desirable to soak all fish food including algae with vitamins to help keep your fish healthier and less susceptible to disease. Try to feed at least two to three times a day In the wild they feed constantly while performing their normal cleaning activities, in the aquarium they should be fed several times a day. Reef Compatability: Won't bother corals, but this fish feeds on a wide array of invertebrates, (eats great!) including snails, sand-dwelling bivalves, hermit crabs, crabs, chitons, shrimp, isopods, amphipods and sea urchins. Not recommended for the reef aquarium. Level of Care: Moderate Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/2" to 3" Medium 3" to 4" Large 4" to 6" Small $49.99 Medium $59.99 Large $89.99 Select Small Medium Large	Aquarium Conditioned Lyretail Wrasse Thalassoma lunare YouTube Video of Lyretail Wrasse Description: The Lyretail Wrasse is also referred to as the Lunare Wrasse or Moon Wrasse. As an adult, it is green with bright facial and fin markings.Bold, hardy, colorful and easy to maintain. All members of the genus Thalassoma lunare are excellent aquarium fish that can live many years in any well-maintained aquarium. They are a wonderful fish for a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium. This is an active fish that requires plenty of swimming space and tankmates that aren't too passive. The Red Sea version of the Lyretail Wrasse has the same patterns but the colors are much more distinctive and striking. Tank Recommendations: A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock . Somewhat agressive, therefore only put in with other aggressive tank mates. The Lyretail Wrasse becomes territorial in the aquarium therefore because of the aggressive behavior either place most of your fish in the tank at the same time, or make the Lyretail Wrasse your last addition to the tank. One other possibility is to rearrange the entire tanks liverock so all the fish are once again finding a new home (territory). This works very well. Wrasses are known jumpers so the aquarium top should be covered. Food and diet: Feed a varied diet of chopped meaty foods such as fresh shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, clams, chopped beef heart. For the health of your fish it is always desirable to soak all fish food including algae with vitamins to help keep your fish healthier and less susceptible to disease. Try to feed at least two to three times a day In the wild they feed constantly while performing their normal cleaning activities, in the aquarium they should be fed several times a day. Reef Compatability: Won't bother corals, but this fish feeds on a wide array of invertebrates, (eats great!) including snails, sand-dwelling bivalves, hermit crabs, crabs, chitons, shrimp, isopods, amphipods and sea urchins. Not recommended for the reef aquarium. Level of Care: Moderate Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/2" to 3" Medium 3" to 4" Large 4" to 5" XLarge 5" to 7" Small $29.99 Medium $39.99 Large $69.99 XLarge $89.99 Select Small Medium Large XLarge
Aquarium Conditioned Female Black Bird Wrasse Gomphosus varius (female) Description: Named for their distinctive bird-like beaked snouts, and sexed by colors, Bird Wrasses are easy to identify. As juveniles, each species has their own unique transitional juvenile to adult colors and markings. G. varius males are typically medium to dark green or greenish-blue in color. Females are creamy white colored in front and dark brown to nearly black in back. G. caeruleus males are much bluer in color. Females from front to back are white to yellow on the bottom and greenish-blue on top. Both female species have bottom half white and top half peachy colored snouts. In the wild a single male congregates with a large harem of females. Nature's way of propagating the species is that a single female will change into a male, separate from the group, and once fully transformed starts a harem of its own. For a period of time during this female to male transformation the fish possesses colors of both sexes, but eventually turns into an all green adult male. A hardy wrasse that adapts rather well to aquarium life. Only one male should be kept to an aquarium. A male-female pair should be added to the aquarium at the same time, introducing the female first. Recommended Tank size: A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock . Somewhat agressive, therefore only put in with other aggressive tank mates. Bird wrasses require large open swimming space and will tolerate being kept in a group providing you have one male and however many females. The male of this species is bright green and the females are brown and cream in color. Wrasses are known jumpers so the aquarium top should be covered. Food and Diet: Feed a varied diet of chopped meaty foods such as fresh shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, clams, chopped beef heart. For the health of your fish it is always desirable to soak all fish food including algae with vitamins to help keep your fish healthier and less susceptible to disease. Try to feed at least two to three times a day In the wild they feed constantly while performing their normal cleaning activities, in the aquarium they should be fed several times a day. Reef Compatability: Won't bother corals, but this fish feeds on a wide array of invertebrates, (eats great!) including snails, sand-dwelling bivalves, hermit crabs, crabs, chitons, shrimp, isopods, amphipods and sea urchins. Not recommended for the reef aquarium. Level of Care: Moderate Approximate Purchase Size: Medium 3-1/2" to 4-1/2" Large 4-1/2" to 5-1/2" XLarge 5-1/2" to 6-1/2" XXLarge 6-1/2" to 8" Medium $79.99 Large $99.99 XLarge $109.99 XXLarge $149.99 Select Medium Large XLarge XXLarge	Aquarium Conditioned Male Green Bird Wrasse Gomphosus varius (Male) Description: Named for their distinctive bird-like beaked snouts, and sexed by colors, Bird Wrasses are easy to identify. As juveniles, each species has their own unique transitional juvenile to adult colors and markings. G. varius males are typically medium to dark green or greenish-blue in color. Females are creamy white colored in front and dark brown to nearly black in back. G. caeruleus males are much bluer in color. Females from front to back are white to yellow on the bottom and greenish-blue on top. Both female species have bottom half white and top half peachy colored snouts. In the wild a single male congregates with a large harem of females. Nature's way of propagating the species is that a single female will change into a male, separate from the group, and once fully transformed starts a harem of its own. For a period of time during this female to male transformation the fish possesses colors of both sexes, but eventually turns into an all green adult male. A hardy wrasse that adapts rather well to aquarium life. Only one male should be kept to an aquarium. A male-female pair should be added to the aquarium at the same time, introducing the female first. Recommended Tank size: A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock . Somewhat agressive, therefore only put in with other aggressive tank mates. Bird wrasses require large open swimming space and will tolerate being kept in a group providing you have one male and however many females. The male of this species is bright green and the females are brown and cream in color. Wrasses are known jumpers so the aquarium top should be covered. Food and Diet: Feed a varied diet of chopped meaty foods such as fresh shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, clams, chopped beef heart. For the health of your fish it is always desirable to soak all fish food including algae with vitamins to help keep your fish healthier and less susceptible to disease. Try to feed at least two to three times a day In the wild they feed constantly while performing their normal cleaning activities, in the aquarium they should be fed several times a day. Reef Compatability: Won't bother corals, but this fish feeds on a wide array of invertebrates, (eats great!) including snails, sand-dwelling bivalves, hermit crabs, crabs, chitons, shrimp, isopods, amphipods and sea urchins. Not recommended for the reef aquarium. Level of Care: Moderate Approximate Purchase Size: Medium 3-1/2" to 4-1/2" Large 4-1/2" to 5-1/2" XLarge 5-1/2" to 6-1/2" XXLarge 6-1/2" to 8" Medium $79.99 Large $99.99 XLarge $109.99 XXLarge $149.99 Select Medium Large XLarge XXLarge	Aquarium Conditioned Banana Wrasse Thalassoma lutescens, Red Sea YouTube Video Red Sea Banana Wrasse Description: The Banana Wrasse is also known as the Sunset Wrasse, or Yellow Wrasse. The Banana Wrasse is both beautiful to look at and amazing to watch its swimming with quick maneuvers and tight turns. The female Banana Wrasse remains bright yellow color while the male turns bluish green as it matures. Both the male and female have amazing bright green stripes across their orange and pink face. Tank Recommendations: A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock. Banana Wrasses can be kept in a predator reef aquarium, or fish only tank, with other aggressive fishes such as triggers, puffers, large tangs, angels, and other aggressive wrasses. Provide with plenty of open swimming room. If you really want a show, build several caves for it to swim through. Best added as one of the last fish introduced to the aquarium as it often becomes quite territorial and aggressive towards newly added fish. Wrasses are known jumpers so the aquarium top should be covered. Food and Diet: Feed a varied diet of chopped meaty foods such as fresh shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, clams, chopped beef heart. For the health of your fish it is always desirable to soak all fish food including algae with vitamins to help keep your fish healthier and less susceptible to disease. Try to feed at least two to three times a day In the wild they feed constantly while performing their normal cleaning activities, in the aquarium they should be fed several times a day. Reef Compatability: Won't bother corals, but this fish feeds on a wide array of invertebrates, (eats great!) including snails, sand-dwelling bivalves, hermit crabs, crabs, chitons, shrimp, isopods, amphipods and sea urchins. Not recommended for the reef aquarium. Level of Care: Moderate Approximate Purchase Size: Medium 3" to 4" Large 4" to 6" XLarge 6" to 8" Medium $119.99 Large $169.99 XLarge $199.99 Select Medium Out of stock Large XLarge

Copyright 2018 Aquarium Creations Online Photos are representative of each species. All marine life will be unique and variations should be expected, color and sizes may vary. *Guarantee Restriction: All of our livestock are guaranteed. However for one or more of these species, they may be marked with a guarantee restriction. If it does, it means the specific animal may not handle stress from environmental conditions well. These stresses can include poor water quality, harassment from tank mates or confined aquarium conditions. When stressed, these species can lose the ability to ward off infection and disease. Other species may be listed as Restricted because they have such specialized feeding requirements that is difficult recreate in a aquarium and may succumb to malnutrition.