Can a Banana wrasse live with an Aussie lunar wrasse?

[justinl]

Those who keep multiple species of wrasses in a single tank do so carefully. Many wrasses will coexist just fine. Fairy and flasher wrasses mostly. Genus halichoeres is especially peaceful. just keep in mind that coexisting wrasses is complicated and always requires close research; even within genera, some species will kill/beat each other (just look at Leah's situation). the reef fish section on RC is wonderful since there's a few reef-safe wrasse FANATICS over there. specific questions regarding the peaceful wrasses will be answered most correctly there. Thalassoma do not fall into this category; like i said, they're the big beaters of family Labridae.

Leah, pm sent

[my2rotties]

Thanks so much for the info. I am still trying to get a positive ID on the new wrasse. The seller said it was an Aussie rainbow wrasse but the picture he sent is blurry (I know why), and I cannot see it very well. It is aqua marine blue and green in color. It does have stripes on its head, but I cannot tell if they are purple or not at this time. If they are I believe the fish is a Thalassoma lunare. SO from what research tells me they are from the same family.

Here are two pictures that I received for ID purposes... They are hard to see due to movement and lighting.

Originally Posted by justinl

Those who keep multiple species of wrasses in a single tank do so carefully. Many wrasses will coexist just fine. Fairy and flasher wrasses mostly. Genus halichoeres is especially peaceful. just keep in mind that coexisting wrasses is complicated and always requires close research; even within genera, some species will kill/beat each other (just look at Leah's situation). the reef fish section on RC is wonderful since there's a few reef-safe wrasse FANATICS over there. specific questions regarding the peaceful wrasses will be answered most correctly there. Thalassoma do not fall into this category; like i said, they're the big beaters of family Labridae.

Leah, pm sent

[justinl]

I think i see a black spot on the caudal peduncle (a young T. lunare indicator), but it might be shadow. I guess there's no chance of a clear picture of the face? Flash helps even if it washes out color... the shape/arrangement of facial lines are good for IDing wrasses. It's definitely genus Thalassoma, no question there; I can't say whether it is or is not T. lunare from those pics.

[my2rotties]

Are you a marine biologist by any chance? You blow me away with your knowledge.

I have done a search and googled to see if Thalassoma can be housed together. I found info that two males of one species can be housed together but nothing about two sub species (I think that is right). I am waiting to hear from the seller and see if he can try to get a better picture... I know how tough it is since my guy is a streak that very seldom stops for a moment.

Originally Posted by justinl

I think i see a black spot on the caudal peduncle (a young T. lunare indicator), but it might be shadow. I guess there's no chance of a clear picture of the face? Flash helps even if it washes out color... the shape/arrangement of facial lines are good for IDing wrasses. It's definitely genus Thalassoma, no question there; I can't say whether it is or is not T. lunare from those pics.

[justinl]

Originally Posted by my2rotties

Are you a marine biologist by any chance? You blow me away with your knowledge.

I have done a search and googled to see if Thalassoma can be housed together. I found info that two males of one species can be housed together but nothing about two sub species (I think that is right).

hehe, not quite. Im an undergraduate oing into marine biology; you could call me a marine biologist in training. mostly I just know random facts, mostly on the organisms i've considered keeping/have kept. I like to think I do my research carefully. that's all really.

hmm, that info seems backwards to me. two males of the same species of thalassoma in the same tank? that just sounds like a fight brewing if you ask me.

[my2rotties]

I made a mistake I meant to say two males of the same species cannot be housed together. I am not sure what the other wrasse is sex wise or if it can be identified. I did not find info to see if two different sub species could be kept together or if sexes mattered.

Your wealth of knowledge is quite astounding and I really enjoy your posts. Thanks for the help. When I get I get a better photo of this particular wrasse I will PM it to you. Apparently there are no pictures to be found on the web and only two books the seller has seen has had a picture of it. It does not have purple on its face but blue bands under its eyes.

Originally Posted by justinl

hehe, not quite. Im an undergraduate oing into marine biology; you could call me a marine biologist in training. mostly I just know random facts, mostly on the organisms i've considered keeping/have kept. I like to think I do my research carefully. that's all really.

hmm, that info seems backwards to me. two males of the same species of thalassoma in the same tank? that just sounds like a fight brewing if you ask me.

[i have crabs]

even if its a sub species and its not a male, leave it alone anyway.
if it thier in a month leave it alone anyway.
if you want constant fighting untill both die get it