Cleaner Wrasse compatibility

[mike ling]

I am thinking of adding a Cleaner Wrasse to my 45G tank. I understand that a Cleaner Wrasse is classified as “Care Level : Difficult”. Since I only been a reef tank addict for about half a year, am I asking for trouble ?

Is the only reason for the difficult “care level” that it’s primary source of food is parasites off the other fishes in the tank ? The current fishes in this tank are a Tomato Clown, Cardinalfish, Ocellaris Clown, Firefish, Royal Gramma & a Scooter Blenny. Is this enough for a Cleaner Wrasses to survive and not starve ?

Are there any other know “issues” with this fish ?

[Che10967]

I've had a Cleaner Wrasse for two years with only a Maroon Clown, a Yellow Tang, and a Scooter Blenny, and I haven't had any problems. It nips at the live rock quite alot so I think that they might eat parasites off of the rocks. You shouldn't have any problems, however, if you are getting it strictly for disease control, I would suggest a Cleaner Shrimp instead.

[tendar]

The problem with cleaner wrasse is that 1 in 10 will survive in a captive enviroment. THey are best left in the ocean.