Wrasses that Eat AEFW or Red Bugs

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 03-31-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

Heard that some wrassess CAN be effective at eating AEFW or Red Bugs. I say "CAN" because there are no hard rules when it comes to fish. Anybody had success using natural predators (wrasses or other fish) to control or eliminate these pests?

If you have a success story please share the specifics.

There were a few guys on the ZEOvit forum who have used Six Lines to keep AEFW in check. Actually one of the guys hasn't had anymore at all since adding a few 6 lines. I think it was 6 of them. He didn't keep all the wrasses though.

He would blow the AEFW off the corals and the wrasse would follow him around eating them. It took a long time but eventually they went away.

Werbo · #2 03-31-2009, 09:56 PM

Thanks. I do not have AEFW or red bugs but I am planning out my fishload for a new tank.
Any other experiences?

naesco · #3 03-31-2009, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

Thanks. I do not have AEFW or red bugs but I am planning out my fishload for a new tank.
Any other experiences?

None. But, kudos for you for planning out your fish load.

fkshiu · #4 04-01-2009, 02:59 AM

The most interesting non-chemical AEFW treatment I've seen is using camel shrimp. Put a couple in a QT along with an infected colony. The shrimp will eat the AEFW first before the begin eating the polyps so you watch them carefully until all the AEFWs have been eaten before you quickly take the colony out.

Werbo · #5 04-01-2009, 08:21 PM

I figure if you are choosing between 2 fish might as well add a the fish that could potentially control pests and help your reef rather than just contributing entertainment and "poop."

GreenSpottedPuffer · #6 04-01-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

"poop."

...is important too

Your corals gotta eat!

Chowder · #7 04-01-2009, 09:13 PM

I have heard that the Halichoeres Melanurus eats red bugs. I do not have any proof though. I have heard this from Jim at OA who had heard this from his fish suppliers.

http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/Spec...name=melanurus

Look very similair to a Christmas Wrasse but has a blue head. Believe I have a female.

Chris