Black Leopard wrasses

Breakthecycle2 · Jan 23, 2016

I purchased a black leopard wrasse - I've had pairs before - and he was QT'd for a while and put into the tank. He was eating etc. The morning after I put him in, he was out until the lights came on and then disappeared. That was three days. Should I be concerned? I have an ornate female thats out and about every day who also just went in.

4FordFamily · Jan 23, 2016

My black leopards hid for about 3 weeks. They're MUCH more cryptic than other leopards initially IMO. I've owned three.

eatbreakfast · Jan 23, 2016

Agreed, 3 days wouldn't overly concern me.

Breakthecycle2 · Jan 23, 2016

Not even the fact that he was out initially?

eatbreakfast · Jan 23, 2016

If you are worried I would suggest watching the tank an hr or so before the lights go on. If it is up, watch and figure why it goes down. If it is up and buries during the day, there is a possibility it is being picked on by the ornatus.

Lionfish Lair · Jan 23, 2016

I wouldn't worry either.

Breakthecycle2 · Jan 23, 2016

eatbreakfast said:
If you are worried I would suggest watching the tank an hr or so before the lights go on. If it is up, watch and figure why it goes down. If it is up and buries during the day, there is a possibility it is being picked on by the ornatus.

Im up 3 hours before the lights go on, so hes def. not out then. Would the ornate still pick on him even if its half his size?

Lionfish Lair · Jan 23, 2016

I never saw hide nor hair of my wrasse for 2 weeks. Then one day, there he was, like nothing ever happened.

eatbreakfast · Jan 23, 2016

Breakthecycle2 said:
Im up 3 hours before the lights go on, so hes def. not out then. Would the ornate still pick on him even if its half his size?

The ornate, under most circumstances should not pick on the black, but there is a small possibility it may. If you don't see any aggression I wouldn't worry.