Reef compatibility

[Jgodam]

Hello guys

been looking into the red breasted wrasse(Cheilinus fasciatus) :rollface:
Needed your opinion.. would be okay in a reef setup? Have read a few places they are ok and others say no they arent..:blown::fun4:

What do yall think?

Thank you

[jraker]

in what size of a tank with what tankmates?

they get really big, 16 inches, so they need a really big tank.

they will eat invertebrates, and small fish.

here is a link to the LA page: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1379+2995&pcatid=2995

they have it under 'fish only wrasses' section

[Jgodam]

Hi raker...

In a 180 Gallon tank .. Tank mates havent been decided upon yet.. Small fish are no go? hmmm..

[ThRoewer]

Max. Size: 1' 4" - I guess that says it all.

[Dmorty217]

Realistically max size is a foot or more. 1' 4" is the max size in the wild. 80% rule when it come to aquariums.

[ThRoewer]

A one foot wrasse is still quite a beast.

[Dmorty217]

No question about it

[Jgodam]

Hello Hello

When you guys say small fish arent good .. How small are we speaking?

Would smth like these few be okay with the red breasted wrasse
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=288008
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+20+52&pcatid=52
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+30+140&pcatid=140

Thank you everyone for your input :)

[Dmorty217]

Everyone of the fish you posted a link for is potentially a meal especially if they are added after the wrasse.

[moriarty]

Have you considered Cheilinus oxycephalus at all? Would be a much better choice for a 180, and would be okay with the other potential fish species that you listed. Small to medium inverts/CUC would likely not fare as well, so that would be something that you would have to consider if you plan on keeping (any) Cheilinus spp.

Here are a couple pics of mine (sorry for the poor quality pictures). His color varies quite a bit depending on mood, presence of food, etc...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=9382&pictureid=66088
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=9382&pictureid=66089