The holy grail of wrasses

[huskerreef]

I have recently gotten hooked on the wrasses and have acquired some real beautiful fish. Wondering if there is a highly sought after rarely attained wrasse that those that are hooked on these guys dream to possess one day. Of course I am sure Dr. Tanaka already has it ;). What wrasses compare in the hype and prices as fish like the Gem Tangs and Conspic Angles.

[AquaKnight]

Interesting thought, are you including reef safe wrasses only or FO ones too?

[edwing206]

Rhomboid or however you say it. Lineteaus?

[ClamIAm]

The wrasse I've never heard of coming into the trade is Cirrhilabrus earlei from Palau. There are plenty of rare wrasses out there though, many of which are actually available from time to time.

[Cantonesefish]

Mabey marge's fairy wrasse?

[DeltecRules]

My baby
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/526/104218mini-107-0705_IMG.JPG

[mpoletti]

What about a feminus wrasse? I know I want one for my new set up.

[RGBMatt]

<i>Cirrhilabrus earlei</i> was similar in price to gem tangs last time it was available.

<i>Bodianus Sanguineus</i> is another good one. Found at 400', nobody in Hawaii currently possesses the expertise to catch it.

[triggerfish1976]

Ultra Rare Fairy Wrasses generally do not seem to garner the high prices that comparably scarce angels and Tangs do. Conspic. Angels are collected in similar numbers compared to Rhomboid Wrasses but the angels generally sell for $1500-$2000 whereas a nice Supermale Rhomboid can generally be found in the $200-$300 range.
Like RGBMatt stated, Earlei's are probably one of the holy grail fish when it comes to Fairies but I don't know of one specimen that was made avail. in the US in over a year. Getting one of these would be comparable to a Angelfish nut finding a Personatus Angelfish.

You may want to look at Supermale Lanceolotus (sp) Fairy Wrasse. I have only seen two available in the US in the last year and they were going for around $300-$400. Next to Earlei they are probably the most stunning fairy's out there IMOP.

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10276301#post10276301 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by triggerfish1976

You may want to look at Supermale Lanceolatus (sp) Fairy Wrasse. I have only seen two available in the US in the last year and they were going for around $300-$400. Next to Earlei they are probably the most stunning fairy's out there IMOP.

Ooo, yes, I saw that one on the Diver's Den section at LiveAquaria once. It was the prettiest fairy wrasse I had even seen.

[triggerfish1976]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10276326#post10276326 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SDguy
Ooo, yes, I saw that one on the Diver's Den section at LiveAquaria once. It was the prettiest fairy wrasse I had even seen.

Yeah, I actually had it in my shopping cart but someone bought right out from under me while I was checking out.

[The Beaut]

Lineatus and Rhomboids are very common and i would not put them on my list of most sought after rare wrasse. There are some gorgious fairy wrasses from Africa/ Madagascar.

The Earlei and Lancealotus would be my most wanted.

[SDguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10276430#post10276430 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by triggerfish1976
Yeah, I actually had it in my shopping cart but someone bought right out from under me while I was checking out.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/smilies/doh.gif

[triggerfish1976]

There is also C. Johnsoni. I always forget about that one.

[mattyice]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10272615#post10272615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marko9
What about a feminus wrasse? I know I want one for my new set up.

the only problem is that as males feminus wrasses are pretty ugly, when they are females/submales is when they have their vivid yellow and blue colorations as males they are very very dark yellowish brown with blue markings all over their body

[Thurge]

The rarest Fairy Wrasse I know about is the Blood Stain Fairy. Its supposedly never been imported to the US.
My Holy Grail is the Cirrhilabrus lanceolatus (Not the Pintail that you regularly see in the Divers Den). I have never seen one for sale. If I ever do find one I may be sleeping on the couch for a LOONNGG time to come.

[SDguy]

What's a pintail? The one in DD that I saw looked like this:
http://www.danj.com/reef/images/wrasse/splendid_small.jpg

[jda]

Mine would be rhomboid golden fairy. Saw a few in the last couple years at the LFS and fell in love.... if only I didn't have open top tanks.

[Thurge]

That looks more like what I would expect from the pictures I have seen.

Cirrhilabrus roseafascia, used to be lumped in with C. lanceolatus, but it's not the one I want.

[triggerfish1976]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10277475#post10277475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Thurge
That looks more like what I would expect from the pictures I have seen.

Cirrhilabrus roseafascia, used to be lumped in with C. lanceolatus, but it's not the one I want.

That is the Lanceolatus that I have seen on LA.
Supermale Rosefascia are also really cool looking fish but I have yet to see one for sale. You basically have to get subadults and hope that one turns into a supermale at some point.

The Tongan Flame Wrasses are also really beautiful fish. I wouldn't call them ultra rare but they are hard to come by.

There was a article done by Tanaka that notes the availability of most fairy wrasses but it was from a couple of years ago so some that he notes being "unavailable" are actually popping up here and there.

[nellahtes]

there are 2 rosefascia in LA divers den...are those super males or sub male/ female?

[D-Rod]

A somewhat local LFS has this one for $29.99 http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=369&N=0
and this one
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=376&N=0
for $24.99

I'm thinking of getting one or both, would the yellow wrasse that I already have get along with each other?

[wrasseguy2]

my holy grail is a kato's fairy...man those are really sweet..i don't know if they have been shipped to the us or not...but i got my eyes open for one...i know the blood-stain is very hard to get..i am also looking for a conniella apterygia...rowley shoals wrasse...i think they are closely related to the fairies.

[Thurge]

D-Rod, it would depend on what yellow wrasse you have. If its the yellow coris wrasse yes they will get along. I had one with my Fairies back in Cleveland until it morphed into a piece of jerky. Fairies pretty much get along with any fish that doesn't try and kick its tail.

[D-Rod]

Thanks,
Thurge
I do have a coris.
I'll be picking them up today!

[triggerfish1976]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10277755#post10277755 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SPS Addiction
there are 2 rosefascia in LA divers den...are those super males or sub male/ female?

Sub adults.

[zemuron114]

Actual terminal male rhomboids are nearly impossible to get. Im talking the 5-6" ones that are mind blowing in colors (yes they get that big) Those are actually just as rare as earlei or johnsoni. Also the supermale flame wrasses are somewhat difficult to get. Again its the 5" ones with the bright blue/purple outline and the half yellow tail (instead of all red) These usually come from the big island and are found in a closed off area now...

The sunset wrasse that RGBmatt brought up is probably the rarest wrasse of them all (and the most beautiful! :)) I would love one of those ! 400+ feet definitely makes it a tough acquisition, and with a price tag well into the thousands.

[triggerfish1976]

Has anyone here every kept a sunset Hogfish (wrasse)? If so are they as aggressive has other hogs and do they eat inverts?
Not that I will be getting one anytime soon but Hogfish have always been a favorite of mine and the sunset is the holy grail of that genus so there is always wishful thinking.

[wrasseguy2]

i had one and it was a perfect citizen...i never had a prob with my fairy or flasher wrasses and never picked at any inverts a cool little fish...a store by me got one in a year or so ago that had the most orange in one i have ever seen...i still try talking them out of that one but they won't let it go!!!i can only wish i guess

[espo72]

My LFS got these in from Japan and I couldn't sleep until I bought them. Malachite Wrasse (Pteragogus aurigarius).

Here'st the male (bad pic, I'll try to get better once he is settled in)
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/3688/2924420740065791324S600x600Q85.jpg

and the female.
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/5561/2036846200065791324S600x600Q85.jpg

They are only found around Japan and Taiwan.

[huskerreef]

Once a friend of mine turned me on to the wrasses it quickly became an obsession, I really found the colors to be a great addition to my reef. To date I have a pair of rhomboids, a male lineatus, labouti male, rosy scale male, hooded female (the male died) and what was sold to me as a johnsoni male. The jury is still out on if its a true johnsoni, the friend that introduced me to the wrasses thinks its a vanuatu variety of the hooded but i have found pics of the johnsoni that look very similar to what i have and he has sent me links to ones that look different, either way this is a beatiful fish. I will try to get some pics to post to get some more input.

[zemuron114]

espo, those look like the maori wrasses found in Hawaii (not the colors but the body shape) probably related some how. Those are very interesting wrasses. Whats their personality like?

[espo72]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10285423#post10285423 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zemuron114
espo, those look like the maori wrasses found in Hawaii (not the colors but the body shape) probably related some how. Those are very interesting wrasses. Whats their personality like?

At first I thought they were Maori wrasses, but the colors are more vivid. And the male changes colors all the time. His stripes go from red to orange to yellowish green.

They both eat like pigs...the female ate so much tonight that she couldn't even swim for a few minutes. The male usually bobs his head out of the water then swims around, then goes for another look at the surface. Gotta make sure I keep the tops on the tank!

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/5080/2601805590065791324S600x600Q85.jpg

[Thurge]

If those look half as cool as they do in Kuiter's Fariy wrasse book then I am jealous. From the looks of it you can kiss your clean up crew good by.

[zemuron114]

i have had some maori wrasse that are more colorful in general then that, but those have a very cool pattern. Maori's are OK with big shrimp hermits and snails but any small shrimp will be eaten very quickly. How big do they get? The Hawaiian Maori's only get about 5" for a male, and have the exact same temperment as a fairy wrasse (even more passive then some fairies)!

[huskerreef]

good news, bad news. The bad news is that what was sold to me as a johnsoni wrasse was really bathiphylis from vanuatu, at least it was sold to me a the hooded price. the good news is that i should be recieving a pair of marjorie wrasses on friday.

[bradleyj]

There's nothing wrong with a bathiphylis, Mine is one of my favorites. Great news on the marjories. I can't find them anywhere.

[huskerreef]

the bathiphylis quickly became one of my favorites as well, i was just bummed that I thought that he was johnsoni because he does not look like the typical hooded and based on pics the lfs had they thought johnsoni as well. Hoping the marjories ship well and look as good as the pics.

[huskerreef]

Here is a pic.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239Johnsoni1.jpg

[LargeAngels]

Only one I've heard of bringing in C. johnsoni was Brian Green, who also collected the C. earlie.

[zemuron114]

a few johnsonis came in a couple years back. They are found on Majuro (main collection station in Marshalls) but are very deep on this Atoll, so only the stragglers are found every once in a while. Brian was the only one getting them on a regular basis. Earlei's also came in a long time ago, but that was a freak of nature occurance in Majuro.. lol

[RGBMatt]

From what I understand, C. johnsoni lives in the 100' range and normally wouldn't be a hard fish to collect. However, it's endemic to Kwajalein atoll and rarely shows up elsewhere.

C. earlei apparently has a wider distribution, but its natural depth range is below 300'.

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10276301#post10276301 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by triggerfish1976
Ultra Rare Fairy Wrasses generally do not seem to garner the high prices that comparably scarce angels and Tangs do. Conspic. Angels are collected in similar numbers compared to Rhomboid Wrasses but the angels generally sell for $1500-$2000 whereas a nice Supermale Rhomboid can generally be found in the $200-$300 range.
Like RGBMatt stated, Earlei's are probably one of the holy grail fish when it comes to Fairies but I don't know of one specimen that was made avail. in the US in over a year. Getting one of these would be comparable to a Angelfish nut finding a Personatus Angelfish.

You may want to look at Supermale Lanceolotus (sp) Fairy Wrasse. I have only seen two available in the US in the last year and they were going for around $300-$400. Next to Earlei they are probably the most stunning fairy's out there IMOP.


They dont get the price becauese they aren't all that rare.

[triggerfish1976]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10327311#post10327311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichConley
They dont get the price becauese they aren't all that rare.

Then how do you explain the price differences between rare clowns and wrasses compared to rare angelfish?
Latz Clowns for ex. generally sell for $200-$300 and they are much harder to come by then Conspic. Angels which can go for $1500-$2000. The asian market seems to drive up the costs for the rare angels because they will pay more for them than some of more rare wrasses. The only wrasses that demand rare angelfish money seem to be the ones that are collected in very minimal numbers (1 or 2 every couple of years) like the Johnsoni and Earlei's. Another ex. are the Majorie (sp) wrasse. Only 20 or so specimans have ever been collected and they were only going for $600/fish which may seem to be a decent amount of money to most but pretty cheap when you consider the limited availability.

[zemuron114]

C. earlei are much more rare then bandit angels, conspics or the like. I think the angel craze was never a faze. Meaning people are always looking for rare and cool angels. But the fairy wrasse faze sort of just bloomed, that is why a lot of the prices on fairies have gone up a little. The demand is higher now. Angels, IMO, will always dominate the market anywhere, US, Asia etc.

[triggerfish1976]

Speaking of Bandits, what is the deal with them lately? I have only seen one available in the last 6 months.

[anydarnthing]

Husker, you have definitely gotten bit by the Fairy wrasse bug, wasn't it just 5months ago you didn't have any?

[huskerreef]

Thanks to you anydarnthing, I have spent more on fish in the last 5 months than all my previous hobby years combined. I guess i was more into the corals for a while and never really got excited about fish, but seeing your tank made me realize that I could house a large number of fish without crowding my available space and get a ton of colors as well. I do believe that after my last aquisition I may be approaching the $$$ in wrasses that you have....almost. Its all your fault....:)

[bradleyj]

[/B][/QUOTE] I have spent more on fish in the last 5 months than all my previous hobby years combined. I guess i was more into the corals for a while and never really got excited about fish,

Boy, If you wouldn't of said that first, I could swear that those exact thoughts came from me.lol

[RGBMatt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10328141#post10328141 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by triggerfish1976
Speaking of Bandits, what is the deal with them lately? I have only seen one available in the last 6 months.

The Asian market is like a black hole, from which few rare angelfish escape.

[triggerfish1976]

Tell me about it.

[bradleyj]

Here is a pic of my bathiphylus and my rubrisquamis.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/tileman/225%20g%20%20reef/cl101.jpg

New full tank shot,, (sort of)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/tileman/225%20g%20%20reef/100_4118.jpg

And a not very good shot of one of my Pylies flashing to my other pylies.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/tileman/225%20g%20%20reef/100_4119.jpg

[huskerreef]

Here is a couple pics of my Marjorie Male that came in this morning, the female hid when she saw the camera. I think his color will only get better as he settles in.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239Majorie_Male.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239Majorie.jpg

[huskerreef]

Here is the female Marjorie and a few other wrasses of mine
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239marjorie_fem.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239lineatus.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239hooded_female.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239rhomboid_male.jpg

[huskerreef]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/78239mystery.jpg

[LargeAngels]

Cool. A local LFS got a pair when they showed up in the country. Not sure if he still has one.

Any seen a C. rubrimarginatus with a point at the end of the tail? I got a giant one in on Friday. It is 5.25" (13.3 cm) long. Never seen or heard of one that big and has a point at the end of the tail. Only seen ones with rounded tails. I'll try and get a picture while in QT.

[zemuron114]

largeangels - my LFS in NH had one that was about 5" and had a more pointed tail then usual. Stunning fish. Although they get a little mean with size

[DarthSimon]

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/darthsimon/IMGS/myking.jpg

Had to throw a pic of my new king... I know the Rhomboid is kool, but the Linetus is just da Domb!!

[LargeAngels]

Sweet lineatus.

Here is the big pink margin. He's in QT and I didn't want to spook him so the glass isn't clean.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/11732Large-Pink-Margin.jpg

[zemuron114]

nice! I love the anampses wrasse to!

[triggerfish1976]

Has anyone seen any C. blatteus
available recently?

[LargeAngels]

trigger: I haven't seen ANY. Always looking though.

Zem: Thanks. My first anampses wrasse and doing well.

[Cantonesefish]

LargeAngels, what kind of anampses is it?

[LargeAngels]

Cantonesefish: Anampses neoguinaicus