Wrasse Care 101: What Every Reef Keeper Should Know!

What's going on, Reapers? Blaine here. In today's video, as you can see, we are standing here right next to the fish wall. And today, we're going to be talking about a group of fish that we utilize in all of our systems here at TopShelf Aquatics. One thing I wanted to mention before we get into the meat and potatoes is the fact that I think we take for granted the sheer amount of amazing species that we're able to group together and put into our reef tanks. Now, today, what we're focusing on is rasses. Here at TopShelf Aquatics, we like to use utilitarian fish in all of our systems. No fish gets a free ride here at TSA. So, today we're going to be talking about some of our favorites, some of them that we think would be great in your reef tanks at home, and just overall why we feel rasses should be in every reef system at home. Let's dive in. [Music] Overall, when you look at rasses as a whole, there are three major requirements for keeping rasses to be successful. And we're going to go through those right now. The first on the list is that they should be kept in appropriate tanks with appropriate tank mates in their new homes. That means no real aggressive fish. Most rasses are going to thrive much better when in peaceful tank environments. Of course, there are some exceptions where they do well in fish only tanks and/or some of these rasses can become aggressors. We're going to talk about feeding these rasses in a little bit, but it's going to be important to note that they need several feedings throughout the course of the day. Last but not least, one of the most important tips we're going to give you in today's video is that they should be in a completely covered tank. All rases are jumpers and there is no ifands or buts about it. All rases can and will jump at some point in your reef tank. I know there are situations where people are keeping rasses in topless tanks, but we here at TSA highly recommend keeping a lid on your tank that fits nice and snug around all areas. Last bit, too. If the fish can fit its head through the hole in the lid, they can make the jump through. Do your due diligence when you're either making a lid or mapping out your custom lid so there are minimal spaces where escape routes can occur. Before we talk any more about these fish, any more about anything that has to do with this video, I'm going to stop real quick. It is time for you to hit that subscribe button because as of right now, 70%, that's right, 70% of you guys that are currently watching the videos have yet to subscribe. So, 30% of you, good job. Way to go. You did what you needed to do. But the 70% of you that haven't, all you got to do is click the button down below. It's free. and you guys don't miss out on any of the amazing content that we have coming out of the TopShelf Aquatics channel, whether it be the livestock content we're putting out, the Prada content, or your guys's favorite, the tank tour series. So, like I said before, hit that subscribe button. Let's get back to talking all about rasses. Now, when we get into the topic of feeding these fish, it's important to remind ourselves with rasses, they enjoy several feedings throughout the course of the day. Of course, a lot of fish are like this where they're going to enjoy several feedings throughout the day, but it's important to remember too with rasses, they have a shorter digestive track. So, some meteor foods and several feedings of these meaty foods is going to be really helpful for the quality of health and life for these fish to maintain good lifestyles in your reef tanks at home. Another thing to remember, too, is rasses are constantly hunting in their surroundings. So, this is one main reason why we at TSA love these fish for not only utility, but also having something in your reef tank that's moving around throughout the course of the day. They do an amazing job for hunting pests in your tanks, constantly scouring the rock work, and looking for things to snack on. Of course, with that in mind, you need to remember that your micro fauna can be at risk of being eaten, like your copapods, amphipods, and other things. So in turn, if you have something like a mandarin, scooter blenny, things like that, it's going to be a little bit more difficult to maintain the health of those fish while your rasses are going around. Being quick and stealing up all of that food. So constantly re-uping that copapod population is going to be extremely helpful for your entire reef tank. And be sure to check out the entire reef genetics line of copapods, amphipods that we have available on our website. Another reason why increased feedings are helpful outside of limiting aggression is that it can help their hunger, putting it at bay from them wanting to go after your cleanup crew. Making sure these fish are wellfed is a big benefit to keep these fish away from your snails and crabs long term. Another note, for some genera, they will sleep and seek out sand to find shelter in. The sand should not be as coarse as crushed coral to avoid abrasions or infections on these fish, but does not need to be as fine as sugar. The following genera displayed here on the screen are going to be the ones that require sand. This is also in a way a reef hack too as well because with rases going in and out of the sandbed, they are assisting you and the rest of the cleanup crew, helping to turn over your sand bed and keep it clean. With a larger abundance of rases in your tank, they can be very effective in helping get that sandbed turned over. As you can see, specific species of rases have specific requirements to ensure they live long and happy lives. So again, do your due diligence, do your research before purchasing any animal, specifically rases. Another thing to note about rasses is that these fish are sequential hermaphodites, meaning that their sex changes depending on their social situation in their environment. They start out as females or initial males and can transition to terminal males. As you would guess though too, once they turn into males, terminal males, they cannot revert back the other way. All right. Similar to our coral spotlight series, we've talked about some of the care requirements, some of the things you need to know before purchasing a rass. Now, let's do our favorite thing. Let's talk about some of our favorites and some of the rasses that we are utilizing at the top shelf facility. Let's check them out. One of the most commonly used rasses for pest control in the aquarium hobby is the melanerys rass. A multicolored utilitarian fish. As for tank size for these rasses, they're going to do well in tanks 50 gallons or more, and they can reach up to lengths of 4.5 in or more. A reef compatible rass, but it's good to keep into consideration these fish are actively hunting throughout the course of their day. So, some smaller inverts can be at threat of being predated by these fish, such as small snails, shrimp, and your pod population. When I had one of these rasses in my tank growing up, it was constantly eating up all of the smaller trokus snails, nar snails, all of these snails that were trying to work on the tank, but he was looking for extra snacks throughout the course of the day. Another awesome pest controller is the yellow chorus rass. This is a brilliant yellow rass that can reach up to lengths of 5 in and requires a tank of at least 50 gallons or more. This is a species that loves to live in the sand bed. So, when first introduced, do not be worried if you do not see them for a couple days as they acclimate to their surroundings. Generally known to be peaceful, but can show signs of aggression to other rasses or other fish with similar body types. This can be even more frequent if adequate feedings are not presented to them. But that goes for the majority of rasses we're going to be talking about here today. A bit more peaceful of a rass on our list is the possum rass, but also known to be quite cryptic. Another great micro carnivore that loves to feast on worms and other small micro inverts. Something to note is that this is one of the rasses on our list that can be kept in a nano tank. These are a species of rass that can be kept in larger groups but need to have ample space like 70-galon tanks or larger. As mentioned earlier, these fish can be quite cryptic. But as they become more acquainted with their surroundings, they'll begin to show themselves off more and more. Easily one of the most beautiful rasses on our list is going to be the leopard rass. Known for its amazing colors and patterns, but it needs to be mentioned that these are not beginner friendly fish. These fish can be at times fairly difficult to get acclimated into a new tank environment and get feeding on food in any sorts. Also, something to know is these are fish that don't do super well through shipment. So it can be hard for even top shelf to get these in at a healthy specimen. Another ras that will be doing some hunting throughout the course of the day. So having a substantial amount of micro inverts and pods in your system will greatly help with the success of keeping these rasses longterm. Another rass that will work itself into the sand. So again, don't panic if you don't see this fish for a day or so after adding into your tank. These fish are extremely docile and shy, meaning they should not be kept with highly aggressive fish in the same system. Now, the next rass and the last one we're going to be talking about today, in my personal opinion, gets a bad rap, and that is the sixline rass. These rasses tend to stay on the smaller side and are by far some of the best pest destroyers in the hobby. Six lines normally stay on the smaller side and usually max out at about 3 in in length. Of course, they need a fair amount of rock work where they can be given enough territory so that they're not highly aggressive to other tank mates. Tanks of 30 gallons or more are suitable for these rasses. Some people say, "Well, this should be one of your last fish added into your tank, too, due to their bad behavior." I myself had one of these in my first ever saltwater tank, and it was one of my favorites. Their colors zooming around in the system is always something pleasant to see. And on top of it all, they're a great pest hunter. Of course, there are many, many more rasses to choose from in the hobby, but we thought we'd mention some of our favorites here at Topshelf Aquatics and some of them that we're actively using in our farm tanks. And I think these could be some awesome additions to your aquarium at home. Now, I want to hear down in the comments below, out of all the rasses readily available in the hobby, what is one of your favorite and one you wish you could add into your collection? Let me know. Getting the chance to hang out with you guys and talk about livestock is easily some of my favorite videos that I get to put out here on the channel. Now, today we talked all about rasses, but I want to hear down in the comments below again what might be some of the other groups of fish that you guys want to see me talking about in some future videos. Now again, do the research. Do everything possible to give these rasses that you want to add into your tank the best possible home. We think they're a great addition to any reef family. So, be sure to head over to the website now and check out our wide selection of fish we currently have available. Another thing, too, we are dropping every single week Wizzywig fish that you guys are going to want to see and not miss out on. If you guys have hung out all the way till the end, I want to say thank you very much. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell notification so you don't miss out on any future uploads. [Music]