Compatible tank mates for a Dragon Wrasse?

[faewyn]

Hiya guys,
I am new to this forum ;;
The main reason for going to marine is my love for the Dragon Wrasse
I know these guys can be farily aggressive and I was hoping if anyone can give me advice what would be suitable to go in with a cranky fellow like this.
TIA
faewyn

[kenn157]

Howdy, according to "LiveAquaria.com" It should reside in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2-4 inch sandy bottom in which it can submerge itself since it sleeps in the sand. It may be kept with fish that are aggressive or larger than it is, but should be housed with more passive fish as a juvenile, house only one per tank. It should not be placed in a reef aquarium. As the Dragon Wrasse matures it will eat crustaceans, snails, shrimp, starfish, smaller fish, worms, and other invertebrates. It also moves the corals and rearranges the rocks in the aquarium to find food. The aquarium should also have a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out.

I'm sure others here can offer "hands-on" experience. Lets see!

[faewyn]

Thanks for your reply..

Anyone else wo can help me out?

[Ninong]

Anyone else wo can help me out?

You can read about it on fishbase: http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...ame=taeniourus

Looks like a 60-gal tank is really too small considering its maximum adult size of 30 cm.

[kevinpo]

Their nickname of rock mover fits quite well. They can move rocks the size of a softball or slightly larger (and will do so frequently). When added last they are pretty tolerant of smaller peaceful fishes but if purchased first they can be bothersome and will even eat small fish. They are also a nervous fish on the move constantly, which can stress some tank mates. They also lose their great fins and juvenile coloration when they mature. Once eating prepared foods they are quite hardy and very good eaters. They like meaty foods. They will also eat starfish, snails, and crabs. An interesting fish that gets about a foot long.

Trigger fish and scorpion fish are suitable tank mates.

HTH,
Kevin
PS: I have had several customers ask me if I will take the adults in after they tire of them rearranging their tank decor.

[dougc]

I saw a movie once of a pair of dragon wrasses hunting for dinner in a rubble zone. It was pretty amazing to watch them work as a team. One would pick up a large piece of rubble, toss it aside, and the other wrasse stood poised to pounce on anything under the rock.

The ideal playtoy for a dragon wrasse would be a mantis shrimp!

[faewyn]

They also lose their great fins and juvenile coloration when they mature.

It was an adult I feel in love with, I am getting a 2" juvie, and am somewhat sad that he wasnt an adult

PS: I have had several customers ask me if I will take the adults in after they tire of them rearranging their tank decor.

The thought of having a Mischievious fish in my tank, Is very appealing as this will be a FOWLR tank. I am not a Reef person, Fish! fish! fish! thus not going the full hog with marine tank, who know's I might converted one day ;)
When I heard all the naughty things, people do not like about theses guys, It made it more exciting for me. I dont have a dog, and what a better way to have it in the form of a fish!
Thanks for pointing out the compatible fish for a wrasse.
Because the little fellow I am getting is only 2" it will bide me time to get him a 6ft tank (shhhh hubby doesnt know of my plans )

Thanks again
faewyn