Hoeven's Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) how safe is it??

[prow]

anyone have any experience with a Hoeven's Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)?
i am on the hunt for a green fish to add to my reef. i went to the LFS and saw what i think is one of these. very nice coloring on it. i would love to add this guy. i know what dr frost says about them. so any insight you have please do tell. in the mean time back to

[Witfull]

unaure of the Latin,,,is this the long lime green wrasse? is so, its a shrimp eater, but otherwise reef safe. grows to appx 6".

[prow]

hummm shrimp eater huh. how do you think a established cleaner shirmp would far if i added him?

[cheeks69]

I like Wit didn't recognize the latin name but have seen these fish at the LFS and I think most motile inverts would be on it's menu.

[mps9506]

H. melanurus appears to be partially reef safe. It has a small mouth, I would say unlikely to eat large crustaceans, but will most likely eat any and all worms, small snails small feather dusters and the like (pretty much the behavior of all the wrasses in this genera). Keep in mind these guys need a sand bed to dive in, no crushed coral as it will tear them up.
One of those species that I would classify as maybe reef safe, depending on what all you plan on keeping in your reef.

[prow]

humm well i am crabless. so rely on snails too much. well back to drawing board. thanks for the info.

[billyr98]

Very tough call... I have a harlequin tusk, and they are supposed to eat shrimp and snails... I had my 2 cleaners in my tank first.. and he doesn't touch them but the snails, once in a while he will pick one up... But its worth it if you like the fish