Cleaner Wrasse compatibility

[mling]

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 ?

[sally]

Cleaner wrasses generally do not do well in captivity and are best left in their natural environemnent. IMO they should not be sold by LFS since they generally die. I would suggest getting a cleaner shirmp that will help in eating parasites off your fish. Not only are they helpful to your aquatic environment but they have loads of personality. They will even clean your hands when you clean the tank!

[JennM]

Ditto on what Sally said. Couldn't have said it better myself

Jenn

[rtgordon]

I have heard of cases where cleaner wrasses eat frozen brine. if you insist on getting a cleaner wrasse get one that is known to eat prepared food. You will have better luck with a cleaner shrimp, IMO and they are a really neat addition. Just make sure that your filtration is up to handling the additional bioload.

gordon