The China wrasse, also known as the Chinese cleaner wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. They are a popular addition to marine aquariums due to their vibrant colors and role as cleaner fish on the reef. However, there has been some debate over whether China wrasse are reef safe and can be kept without harming coral or invertebrates. In this article, we will examine the evidence on both sides of this issue and provide recommendations for keeping China wrasse in reef tanks responsibly.
Natural behavior and diet
In the wild, China wrasse naturally feed on parasites, dead tissue, and other material on the surface of larger reef fish. They set up cleaning stations that reef fish will visit to be cleaned of parasites and dead tissue. China wrasse use their slender mouths to pick off materials from the skin, gills, and even inside the mouths of client fish. This cleaning behavior is a classic example of mutualism on the reef, providing a service to the client fish and a meal for the wrasse.
However, in captivity China wrasse will also pick at coral polyps, sessile invertebrates, and other fixed reef organisms in search of food. This can quickly devastate aquacultured corals, anemones, clams, and other reef species. Their natural behavior has not adapted them well to life in a closed aquarium system.
Feeding and diet requirements
The key to keeping China wrasse in a reef tank is providing ample alternative foods to satisfy their appetite. In the wild, they feed throughout the day by visiting cleaning stations. Replicating this constant grazing behavior is important. They should be fed at least 2-3 times per day on a mixture of meaty and veggie foods including:
- Chopped shrimp or shellfish
- Spirulina and marine algae
- Prepared carnivore foods
- Mysis and brine shrimp
- Vegetables like spinach, peas, and cucumber
Uneaten food should be promptly removed from the tank so it does not break down and negatively impact water quality. Providing a varied omnivorous diet will prevent wrasse from nipping at corals and inverts out of hunger.
Compatibility with other fish
China wrasse are very peaceful fish despite their carnivorous diet. They can be kept with most docile, reef-safe fish that won’t pick on them or compete for food. Good tank mates include:
| Compatible Fish |
|---|
| Clownfish |
| Damselfish |
| Cardinalfish |
| Fairy and flasher wrasses |
| Blennies |
| Gobies |
| Tangs |
Avoid keeping them with large angelfish, triggers, lionfish, groupers, and other predators. Also avoid territorial fish like hawkfish and rabbitfish. Introduce China wrasse last when stocking a tank as they are very docile.
Ideal tank conditions
China wrasse thrive in stable saltwater aquariums with the following conditions:
- Tank Size – Minimum 75 gallons
- pH – 8.1 to 8.4
- Temperature – 72°F to 78°F
- Specific Gravity – 1.020 to 1.025
- Alkalinity – 3.2 to 4.8 meq/L
- Calcium – 400 to 450 ppm
Pay close attention to water changes and filtration to maintain pristine water quality. Remove uneaten food promptly before it breaks down. Having a mature tank with live rock and algae growth also provides natural food sources.
Are China wrasse reef safe? Conclusion
In summary, China wrasse can be reef safe if provided proper care in regards to tank size, aquascaping, supplemental feeding, and tank mates. Some key tips include:
- Feed small, frequent meals 2-3 times daily
- Vary their diet between meaty and vegetable foods
- Remove uneaten food quickly
- Give them ample rock work and caves
- Avoid overcrowding the tank
- Do not keep them with aggressive fish
- Introduce China wrasse last to a mature tank
With their basic needs met, China wrasse will not need to pick on coral polyps or sessile invertebrates. While they may inadvertently nibble at coral when first introduced, they can learn to accept aquarium foods as their sole diet. Patience is required when acclimating them, but they will reward the effort with their vibrant colors and engaging behavior. For intermediate aquarists willing to take the time to care for them properly, China wrasse can be an excellent and reef safe addition.
References
Reefs Magazine. China Wrasse: To Keep or Not to Keep? https://reefs.com/magazine/china-wrasse-to-keep-or-not-to-keep/
Live Aquaria. Chinese Cleaner Wrasse. https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/1172/%3Fpcatid%3D1172&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1675474308640734&usg=AOvVaw3kR1j6a7D0iN6MWwbyHIsM
Aquarium Adviser. Chinese Cleaner Wrasse – Care Guide, Diet and Habitat. https://aquariumadviser.com/chinese-cleaner-wrasse/
Advanced Aquarist. Reef Compatibility of the Chinese Cleaner Wrasse. https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/6/inverts
That Reef Place. Cynoglossus reticulatus. https://www.thatpetplace.com/cynoglossus-reticulatus-chinese-cleaner-wrasse