Bare bottom - impact on wrasses?

[chrissreef]

I'm bare bottom... but have been dreaming about a radiant wrasse for a looong time - and the lfs got a small one in.

Can someone pls explain the importance of sand for these wrasses and how deep would be needed?

[Jerry W]

The halichores wrasses bury themselves if frightened. I think a bare bottom tank would not be suitable for this species. 2-3 inches of sand would be needed.

[stanlalee]

they'll die from stress. burying wrasse NEED a sandbed just like a garden eel needs what it needs and a jawfish needs what it needs.

[chrissreef]

thanks =) /sigh - I'll eaither have to figure out a sandbed or just admire from affar looks like.

I was curious "why" they need it... like chromis are found in staghorn corals in nature, but they don't "need" them in aquariums.

[Gregsgsr]

Leopard Wrasse, Radiant and many other wrasse use sand bed as protection during the night when they sleep. They also use it when they are scared. It is like a dwelling for them.

[650-IS350]

You can have a clear container like a viewing cube, place sand in it and place in behind your rocks. THe wrasse will find it. I have friends that have wrasses in their BB. So will I, but will use the container with sand, just for the leopard.

[Mel-E-Mel]

How long would they stay buried when scared? Do christmas wrasses bury themselves? I seen mine burying himself in the sand but comes back out right away.

[stanlalee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13034759#post13034759 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrissreef
thanks =) /sigh - I'll eaither have to figure out a sandbed or just admire from affar looks like.
.

a common thing to do is fill a tuperwear container with sand and place it in the back of the tank to sleep in. they will find it. just needs to be big enough for them to fit in comfortably.