Info Wanted: Cleaner Wrasse VS Neon Goby

paddyob · #1 11-15-2010, 06:40 PM

So I have always been under the impression that a cleaner wrasse is sentenced to death by putting them in an aquarium.

Recently I see people saying that they have had them for years in their tanks.

I saw them at Blue World doing a bang up job cleaning tank mates and think that it would be a nice addition to a clean up crew in my tank....... if and only if they have any chance of survival.

Anyone have thoughts or experience with this fish? I am looking for requirements of life for them.

Also.... anyone had luck with Neon Gobies actually cleaning fish in their tank? This is another option.

reefwars · #2 11-15-2010, 06:43 PM

I had mine for over a year and a half then it died during a water change one afternoon. I too know somebody here in the city hos had one for over 3yrs so they do survive just not in good numbers

Myka · #3 11-15-2010, 06:43 PM

I think your tank is too small for any chance of survival. Some Clean Wrasses will eat prepared foods, and that can help them survive, but it seems like a prepared diet isn't enough for them to thrive. A 200 gallon tank or so stocked with lots of fish would be the best bet.

The trouble is that sooooooooo many people kill Cleaner Wrasses due to inappropriate tanks that it is a shame to support their import by buying one.

paddyob · #4 11-15-2010, 06:45 PM

fast replies... barely had time to edit the thread ha ha!

How about Neon Gobies?

paddyob · #5 11-15-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I think your tank is too small for any chance of survival. Some Clean Wrasses will eat prepared foods, and that can help them survive, but it seems like a prepared diet isn't enough for them to thrive. A 200 gallon tank or so stocked with lots of fish would be the best bet.

The trouble is that sooooooooo many people kill Cleaner Wrasses due to inappropriate tanks that it is a shame to support their import by buying one.

This is what I have heard Mindy. And I agree if this is this case.

Myka · #6 11-15-2010, 06:46 PM

I have a Sharknose that attempts to clean the fish sometimes.

Myka · #7 11-15-2010, 06:48 PM

One nice thing about the different Neon Gobies is that you can and should get them captive bred/raised.

paddyob · #8 11-15-2010, 06:53 PM

So I am getting a small feeling that a Skunk Cleaner shrimp may be the best way to go.

Rogue951 · #9 11-15-2010, 06:59 PM

I have a 40 gallon, and my guy's going strong. Eats like a pig. Picks at the fish once in a while, nips my hand if I'm not watching him. (maybe he's trying to tell me I got parasites....)

Myka · #10 11-15-2010, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyob

So I am getting a small feeling that a Skunk Cleaner shrimp may be the best way to go.

Depends what you have in the tank. Shrimp steal food from corals, so if you have anything you need to feed like Sun Corals for example you would not want a shrimp in there.