Tropical Fish Forums

[Mat167]

Hi, just checking...I have a small golden wrass about 2 in and I've noticed that when hes not digging in the sand, hes hanging around my yellow tang (3.5 in) and cleaning him of ick. is this expected behaviour or am I just lucky?
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I can only guarantee that there are no guaranties in fishkeeping.

[sunshine84]

It's not overly common, although yellow/golden wrasse have been known to pick parasites of fish. I have a yellow wrasse around the same size as yours, and when I first introduced my yellow tang, I would occassionally catch my wrasse cleaning her. It wasn't overly common though, and after I introduced the cleaner shrimps, my wrasse never bothered again.

If I'm right, the yellow wrasse is a part of the Halichoeres family. However, it's usually wrasses from the Labroides family that are known for their cleaning. So, I think you did luck out with your wrasse, because in general, yellow/golden wrasses aren't avid cleaners.

You should be able to find some more information here:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/wrasses/index.htm

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/halichoeres.htm

[Mat167]

Thanks for the link, it was pretty interesting. Best of luck to your wrass, I love those little guys
_________________
I can only guarantee that there are no guaranties in fishkeeping.