Hi everyone, I used to have a six line wrasse, but I returned it to my lfs because he ate all of my inverts: all of the hermit crabs, both my shrimp, and attacked my snail. However, when I look at internet sites, it says that they are peaceful, and reef safe.... Are all six line wrasses inclined to attack motile inverts? because I would really like to have anoither one. They are by far my favorite fish.... but I also have a skunk cleaner shrimp inside of the tank rite now, and I dont want a new six line wrasse to attack it.
Are six line wrasses really reef safe?
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The only things I have seen sixlines eat are amphipods, copepods, and the occasional worm. That's about it.
Same here. My sixline was the perfect reef citizen, never touched any inverts.
They can be known 'sometimes' to go after shrimp if the shrimp is real small, but if you get a fish that is smaller than the shrimp you should be fine. The smaller the sixline the less aggressive they are likely to be, what I've read anyway.
They can be known 'sometimes' to go after shrimp if the shrimp is real small, but if you get a fish that is smaller than the shrimp you should be fine. The smaller the sixline the less aggressive they are likely to be, what I've read anyway.
could it be that I had an overly aggressive wrasse?? Because I saw it with my own eyes. He grabbed the poor shrimp and basically dragged the shrimp into the rocks. The next morning I found he shrimp's head decapitated with the body missing..... It was quite grotesque and the shrimp was about the same size as the wrasse itself.. I guess I will just stick on the safe side and not buy another one.. Does anyone have any suggestions on what other fishto add?? I already have a firefish, diamond goby, and a skunk cleaner shrimp in my 25 gallon. Btw I despise clowns.... Long story. Don't ask.
They do vary as far as aggression is concerned. Some are terrors, whereas others are angels. I haven't heard of them killing shrimp before, however.
Catpicklesdog
Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
In my particular "bible" (A pocketexpert guide to marine fishes) it does say that larger specimens may eat ornamental shrimp.
I have to admit mine never touched my inverts - it was my fish it had a problem with!!!
I have to admit mine never touched my inverts - it was my fish it had a problem with!!!
My 6 line wrasse is just a little guy yet, but he is very peaceful. My peppermint shrimp turned out to be a disaster though. I think the general information about these animals can be acurate, but it really comes down to the individuals fish/invert itself. Some are more docile than others just by personality. I wouldn't give up on the 6 line if you really like them. I would however try to make sure and purchase a younger one if you opt for another. This way they have an easier time adapting to their tankmates and environment.
my sixline has been a relatively good fish since i've had him. Only thing he's attacked is my damselfish....