Melanurus wrasse vs. sixline

[FishWife]

I read various pros and cons for these two fish, and am trying to decide on the best one for our tank.

 

Pros for both seem to be pest control.

 

Cons for each are:

*Sixline: can be aggressive towards other fish; limits who else you can put in the tank (i.e. purple firefish and midas blenny) and I really want these fish... and I don't want to wait for "wrasse benefits" 'till I have all the fish I want in the tank. Furthermore, I read that sixlines won't brook another wrasse in the tank.

 

*Melanurus: they can eat clams, I read. Is this true? 'Cause otherwise they seem to win: more congeneal with tankmates and other wrasses, and also a good overal pest eater...

 

 

Any thoughts?

[vaironman]

Hello Marcia,

 

Confirm from current experience, "I read that sixlines won't brook another wrasse in the tank". The six line will establish dominance over other wrasses if it is fielded in the tank before other wrasses.

 

KLee

[OrientBlueReef]

Have not owned a six line, but I had a Melanurus, and will try to acquire a pair when I get my 120 up and running. It was a great fish, and the only thing it ever went after were tiny nassarius snails (we are talking smaller than a pinky nail). It left astreas, trochus, and ceriths alone. I can't comment on the clam, though.