Hoeven's Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) questions

[Kahuna Tuna]

I know a few folks here keep these and I was wondering a few things about this species. I love this genus but am a little worried about this fish with a clean up crew, especially the snails. I keep my display well fed but I dont want another wrasse that is going to decimate my clean up crew and then be near impossible to get out of the system (red coris, what a nightmare). I'm also wondering how they get along in a community tank. I keep a few passive fish (dartfish and filefish) and dont need any bullies either. I also keep some bruisers (tangs, angels, rabbits) and need a fish that can stand up in a busy tank.

I was also wondering how this species would get along with other wrasses, especially fairy wrasses. I currently keep a Cirrhilabrus luteovittatus red velvet wrasse and getting along with this fish is important. I was also wondering how they fair as a pair or harem. This species seems to have a lot of traits going for it, small size, looks, but I am wondering if they are reef safe at all. TIA

[cubsFAN]

These fish are pretty hard on clean up crews. It gets along fine in my 75 gal tank with 2 occ. clowns, african flame back angel, bangaii cardinal and tail spot blenny. I have him to take care of my vermitiid snail and planaria issue. He is doing an ok job, but spends just as much time killing desirable critters. It is a very active fish and pretty large. He has settled down now, but when I first put him into the 75, he looked cramped. He buries himself and turns over frags in the sand. I would say he would be very difficult to catch. I plan on getting mine out soon. I would say not reef safe.

[mnchartier]

I have one in my 90 now for about 8 months. I have 2 tomato clowns, 1 cardinal, 1 royal gramma, yellow watchman, and a mystery wrasse. I have not had any issues with my clean up crew. I got the Hoeven from a member of my local club and was already about 5". and is close to 6" now. Very active, fish always out and about.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy30/mchartier2344/December%202010/DSC_0020.jpg

That is the mystery you can see faintly below.

Edit: My CUC consists of red and blue hermits, mexican turbos, astreas, and nassarius snails

[Kahuna Tuna]

Thanks for the info that was exactly what I needed to hear. What an amazing looking fish, just beautiful.

[mnchartier]

Thanks oh and I forgot I have a few emerald crabs also.

[steelcity]

I had a 4" female who ate everything under the sun. She would not bother with the CUC at all (crabs, shrimp, and snails). I had about a 5" male temminik in the tank with it and they could care less. Awesome fish. Needs sand and a top on your tank.