Wrasse compatibility and tank size, Dusky, Halichoeres marginatus

Chris Fitz · Jan 17, 2019

Hello R2R community!
I'm planning on picking up a Dusky Wrasse (maybe a pair) next week and keep him/her/them in a 60gal (4'x1'x2') mixed reef DT with tons of LR/hiding places!

My main concern is after quarantining he/she/they will be sharing the community Display Tank with 14 other mates including a mimic yellow tang and a Kole tang (2PJ cardinals, 1 Bangii, 1 firefish, 1 engineer goby, 1 Coral beau, 1 scissortail, 4 Chromis, 1 small cowfish)... Hopefully, there will be no issues. *fingers crossed* Do you think these fish will get along?

I understand my 60gal may need to be upgraded as the fish get larger with adulthood. Do you think this might be considered overstocked (I have an 18gal sump with massive filtration(wet dry filter, 6" deep sandbed, cheto, mangroves, and macroalgae), skimming and I feed heavy)?

Have you ever heard of pairing Dusky in a home aquarium? Do you think it will work?

eatbreakfast · Jan 17, 2019

That tank isn't suitable for multiple tangs.

Dusky wrasses also get big and won't tolerate conspecifics longterm.

nereefpat · Jan 17, 2019

Wrasses don't pair.

Tank is a little small for a dusky. Melanurus has a similar look and is 2-3" smaller.

I think if you got rid of the tangs and cowfish, then that stocklist would look reasonable for a 60 gallon.

67chevellemalibu2 · Jan 17, 2019

That Dusky is a nice looking wrasse

Frtdrmrose7 · Jan 17, 2019

Cow fish will be out competed for food

ca1ore · Jan 18, 2019

I’ve only seen dusky for sale a few times, and they’ve always been males.

eatbreakfast · Jan 18, 2019

ca1ore said:
I’ve only seen dusky for sale a few times, and they’ve always been males.

Really? I probably see females 10x's more frequently than males.

ca1ore · Jan 18, 2019

eatbreakfast said:
Really? I probably see females 10x's more frequently than males.

Well, you would see more than I would - probably only 3-4 times total for me (and I bought one of them). Maybe I have seen the females but not realized what they were. Do you have a picture of one by chance?

eatbreakfast · Jan 18, 2019

ca1ore said:
Well, you would see more than I would - probably only 3-4 times total for me (and I bought one of them). Maybe I have seen the females but not realized what they were. Do you have a picture of one by chance?

Chris Fitz · Jan 18, 2019

ca1ore said:
Well, you would see more than I would - probably only 3-4 times total for me (and I bought one of them). Maybe I have seen the females but not realized what they were. Do you have a picture of one by chance?

Hi Ca1ore!

How was your experience with your male Dusky? Did he do well with others, who did u keep him with, what kind of tank, and how much success?

ca1ore · Jan 18, 2019

Here are a couple of pics. He's lightning fast, so tough to get a good one. As TJ notes, this fish gets large and needs swimming room. Mine has been tough on the CUC, but no problems at all with the other fish - even the sand sleepers. He's been in big tank though - currently a 450, previously a 265. Liveaquaria calls it a 'peacock' which is a very good description. One of may favorite fish ….. if you have the space. I never attempted to keep more than just the one.