Do Wrasses Have Preference?

[kilralpine]

So here is the scoop, I have a 75 Gallon Long Mixed Reef in which I have managed to keep a wrasse in excess of 6 months just fine. I no longer have the wrasse but do have knowledge of what crushed coral substrate CAN do to them whether its over time or immediate skin lesions. My question to you is, since it is far fetched to remove my 80lbs of live sand that is growing coral like mad at the moment; If I were to add a bowl of sugar fine sand and place it in an area such it doesn't blow around, do you think a wrasse would sleep in that instead of the crushed coral?? Also what is your opinion with crushed coral as a sleeping substrate, I saw one thing and heard the other for quite a long span. I only lost my first wrasse through the introduction of another; at least that's the conclusion I came to.

 

[rdnelson]

Not much of an expert by any means but I think the wrasse would seek out the sand. I had one in QT for several weeks and kept a tupperware bowl sand in it. That is where he slept. I would suspect that crushed coral wouldn't be a good move but I can't say with any certainty.

 

[ichthyoid]

My wrasse prefers the 'Ahi tuna'


Sorry, just couldn't resist!

I have a plastic dish with oolitic sand in a frag tank, and the wrasse seems quite content with that. You could do the same in your display, as well.

 

[ralph atl]

However, if it/they chooses crushed coral for whatever reason, expect a broken jaw and sliced fins.....

You could also keep a 1/2 inch of crushed coral in front 20% part of tank, and sugar fine sand in back 80%....