Specific info: Christmas vs. Exquisit wrasse

[phishlet]

Specific recommendation needed: Christmas vs. Exquisite wrasses
I'm considering having my LFS order me either a 3 inch Exquisite wrasse (Cirrhilabrus exquisitus) or 3 inch Christmas Ornate wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus). I really like both fish but am leaning towards the Christmas wrasse.

The fish would go in my 125. I already have a Hawaiian 4 line, solarensis and flasher wrasse. I'd like some input on the following:

1) Which one is more highly recommended to associate well with the above listed fish?

2) Which one is more hardy?

3) I've heard plenty of mixed information about the Christmas Ornate wrasse. Some say certainly reef safe, others say not reef safe at all while others say coral safe but not invert safe. Your experiences please.

Post pictures too if you have one.

Thanks

[Ironsheikh]

I'd think they are pretty much equal --go w/ what you like then.
I've always like the pics of the exquisite, but ended up w/ a solar because it was cheaper --now I wish i went the other way

[phishlet]

Anybody have any pics? A really good Exquisite Wrasse specimen looks really nice. But not all of them have the best coloration. I love how the green stripes on the Christmas wrasse seem to "glow".

[phishlet]

I guess I should also say that I am somewhat concerned about the Christmas Ornate Wrasse and the Hawaiian 4 line conflicting. Maybe nothing to worry about.....
The 4 line is very small at about an inch or maybe a touch more in length. I'd be putting in a 3 inch or so Christmas.

[GregM779]

the christmas wrasse is definitely more hardy, they are both pretty and active and both should be reef safe. Why not get both?? I have 6 wrasses in my 125g and they do fine after they meet each other.

[phishlet]

Any concerns about the 4 line and the Christmas wrasse fighting?

[phishlet]

Well the LFS has both in stock now...

[phishlet]

Couldn't decide so I purchased both. I'll post pics after they are out.

[phishlet]

Well both fish were out and about this AM. Here's a couple pics. They're not the greatest.. My 4 line didn't take too well to the Christmas wrasse. It chased the Christmas around relentlessly for a good part of the day. But then the Christmas showed the 4 line what he was made of and the 4 line has backed off now.

http://home.comcast.net/~ctromp/misc/wrasses.jpg

Here's the exquisite. The pic doesn't do it justice at all.

http://home.comcast.net/~ctromp/misc/exquisite.jpg

And just for the fun of it, here's my solarensis fairy.

http://home.comcast.net/~ctromp/misc/solarensis.jpg

[zemuron114]

very nice! i love the ornates. The males have bright blue highlights on their fins when they get big (4+ inches)
nice finds!!

[phishlet]

Thanks