Royal Gamma, wrasse

Discussion in 'Marine Fish' started by frankinswine1, Feb 3, 2017.

  1. frankinswine1

    frankinswine1 Plankton

    I am getting around deciding on my last two fish for my 65 gallon. I have 2 black ocellaris clowns and a tail spot blenny currently living nicely together. I was thinking of adding a royal gamma and a wrasse. I know the wrasse will move about the tank nicely, but will the Royal Gamma? At the store they swim around, but once I get it home will it just hide in the rock work?
    Of your wrasse owners do you have an enclosed tank, or some of that netting that they sell? I had a six line in my old tank and she took a leap out of the tank. I'm just wondering what you all do to prevent the dreaded leap of death.
    Also if anyone has a suggestion for a fish that has some nice color and movement that would be a nice addition let me know that too. My fish experience is limited due to most of my fish being nice and living a long time.
     
  2. Kim

    Kim Secretary Staff Member

    Hiya,

    The Royal Gramma will probably hide a lot, or pick out a spot in the tank and defend it. I have on in my 29 and I do see him a lot, but in a larger tank, he might hide. Each fish is going to be different.

    I'd DEFINITELY cover the tank if you put a wrasse in it. I don't know of a species that won't try to jump out of your tank.

    Kim/Benton, AR
     
  3. jonwright

    jonwright RRMAS Supporter

    Depends on how aggressive the clowns are. They usually defend their area so if they are really aggressive any calmer fish will hide a bit. Wrasse and gramma I'd put in the same category, really, as rather mellow.

    Each fish needs enough territory to call his own, generally, and if the clownfish claim the whole tank you'd have to have some pretty aggressive fish to keep up with them.

    In my 155 I have a gramma, orange backed wrasse, blue tang, flame and coral pygmy angels, 2 chromis, yellow watchman goby, and a skunk clown. This clown hangs out ONLY in my anemone so she's pretty well contained. All the fish are out and about, noboy hides.

    Not sure if any dottyback or other damsel fish would be aggressive enough to hang with them OR cause WW3 to break out with few survivors.

    Either way, if you do add any fish with that small tank be prepared to rearrange *if* aggression gets too high. May need to "reset" the territory in the tank.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2017
  4. frankinswine1

    frankinswine1 Plankton

    I haven't noticed any aggressiveness out of the clowns. They are very piggy at feeding time, but have not bothered the tailspot. The clowns haven't really paired up one sits in one corner and the other on the opposite side. If I'm by the tank they will swim together.

    I was looking at ordering a screen kit from bulk reef supply, in the event of a wrasse purchase.
    http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2017
  5. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    I had a gramma in my 72x24 tank for 3 1/2 years without any problems. He was always out front despite 11 wrasse, 2 pyramid butterflies and a couple of small bristletooth tangs. Really neat colorful fish.

    Another option would be the gramma's cousin, a Black Cap Basslet. Beautiful purple color with a striking black top of his head. I'm strongly considering one now that my tank is up and running again.
     
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  6. jonwright

    jonwright RRMAS Supporter

    I use lighting grid on top of my tank - was really cheap.

    You know, RG might be OK with them. Only thing for me is when those fish get mature that tank may get awfully small. Dunno. Another smaller fish or two might work out. Roll the dice. Would also depend upon if the new fish would have a spot/territory to call his/her own depending on how you have it laid out.
     
  7. frankinswine1

    frankinswine1 Plankton

    I have looked at the Black cap, but I don't see them available locally too often. I've ordered corals, but have never tried shipping a fish. Since I don't have a QT setup it just seems a little bit more risky than just getting a coral and dipping it.
    Jon thought about what you suggested about the light grid and did a little modding to my canopy.

    IMG_0296.JPG IMG_0297.JPG
    Basically I just filled in the canopy gaps with light grid and used some bird netting over the hinged section. It's not Fort Knox but if a fish tastes floor after this they made one spectacularly unlucky leap.
    Based on what I'm reading I will most likely just try a wrasse. Thanks for the input guys and gals.
     
  8. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    One caution about light grid (egg crate). It will not keep most wrasse from jumping. If their head will fit they can get through it. A few weeks ago my flasher wrasse got through a little less than 1/2" gap between my netting and the top of my overflow box. Had a hard time getting him out. LOL.

    [​IMG]
     
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