[Rin]

They're not optimal, the glass needs cleaning. But, hey, they were out so I grabbed the camera. After about 15 tries these are best two shots. I didn't even realize the glass was dirty until I reviewed the pics.

[BTL]

AWESOME! which one is the male and which one is the female?

[Rin]

The first is a female and the other is the male. At least they're not trying to kill each other.

[BTL]

wow, i thought it was the other way around, i really think the purple one is prettier than the other one, but that is just my personal taste

Andy

[Rin]

The male is being shy in that picture. When he's puttin on the moves, his fins stand up nice and tall. You can see all the colors then.

[Ltspd]

Nice, are these the 2 you got un-expectedly from FFexpress?

I have a red tailed fairy wrasse, neat fish.

[Rin]

10-4, I was really hoping that they were both females as I requested. But I guess I'll have to count my blessings thus far. Both are apparently healthy and they eat pretty much anything I throw into the tank (as long as it's meat. )

They do tend to eat too much then regurgitate it back up later. I'll have to watch the feeding schedule a little more closely.

[Neal359]

wrases are my favoret fish they have the best coloring of any fish

[Mikeman]

Wow I was thinking about getting a lined wrasse but I may get one of these!?!?

[Tcook]

How big are they? Did you have any other wrasses in the tank before you added these two? They look great! I had a Carpenter's that dissappeared a few months ago (?serpent star) and would like to add another wrass or two. Already have a 6-line in the tank.

[vasubandu]

Rin, I just got back from a long vacation in Hawaii. They look great. My female is greener, but the females sure are nice. My male has faded slightly and his red spot is less distinct, but they make a wonderful pair. My male does periodically chase the female out of the water, but they usually get along well.

[Rin]

Tcook,

The female is 3.5", the male is 4". No, I didn't have any other wrasses in the tank. These seem rather skittish. I don't know what the compatibility is with other wrasses. I've been told that 2 male SFW will fight to the death.

I had to move my Purple tank to a Q-tank to reduce the stress level on these guys. After I felt pretty good about the health of the SFW, I put the PT back into the main tank with them. At feeding time, the PT eats first--he's very aggressive. The wrasses get their fill, though.

Vasubandu,

Do you think the spot may be a diet thing? Or maybe it signifies dominance to other males? No competing males = no spot?

The female buries herself in the sand. This has resulted in a big hole that I have to fill every once in a while. I hope this doesn't result in problems for my tank. At least she stays in the same spot every night.

[vasubandu]

Rin, mine are skittish or nervous too. Actually, "over-active" may be a better description. Hard to photograph because they are in constant motion. They have calmed down over the past weeks, but still are edgy at best.

Interestingly, I also have a purple tang that I introduced afterwards. No issues or problems between them. My SFW are the most aggressive eaters I have ever seen. The male literally rips chunks of food out of my hand and runs away to eat it. He nabs food out of the mouth of my Regal Angel.

I am unclear why the red spot sometimes fades. Most of the people who have corresponded with me relate the same thing. It may be the loss of the haremic structure or diet. I feed mine Formulas 1, 2, Angel, Prime Reef and frozen mysis shrimp, all of which is enriched with Selcon or Zoe. They certainly seem healthy.

I think that the lack of competing males may be the true culprit. Several people have told me that they have 2 males in 6-foot tanks without bloodshed. They seem to think that their males have not lost color. Not verified, and I remain skeptical, but it is food for thought.

My female wraps herself up in caulerpa. You might want to offer an alternative to the sand.

I am still looking for a few more females and will let you know if I find any.

[PDDII]

I am looking into a wrasse as well for my 120 gallon reef. Can you tell me if these guys eat your shrimp, crabs or snails? Also, has your pod population been effected?

Thanks.

PDDII

[Rin]

Fairy Wrasses generally don't harrass snails, crabs, or feathers like other Wrasses do. Their mouths aren't equipped for it. They do chow down on the different meats that I put in the tank. Mysis, brine, krill, and silversides. They go after the Spirulina/kelp flakes, as well. (Which are meant for the Purple Tang.)

I haven't really noticed a reduction in my pod population. It could use a little kulling. At night my water clouds up with the buggers.