Curbing Wrasse Aggression

[declanisadog]

I feel like I remember reading somewhere at some point that keeping many wrasses together helps curb aggression similar to the way keeping multiple cichlids does. Is there any truth to this, or was it something I was told anecdotally?

 

[4FordFamily]

I feel like I remember reading somewhere at some point that keeping many wrasses helps curb aggression similar to the way keeping multiple cichlids. Is there any truth to this, or was it something I was told anecdotally?

I would say it's true for most fish MOST of the time. It's always a risk, and it's a lot more complicated and calculated if you want to do it successfully. If you mix really timid with really aggressive wrasse that won't work long-term. Although they are LESS likely to single out and kill a fish, it can still happen. Particularly with one very large and aggressive "tank boss".

 

[saltyhog]

Agree with @4FordFamily . I would add that to me the real key to curbing wrasse aggression starts before you even buy the wrasses. Research and choose wrasses that are appropriate for your tank and for each other and your chances of aggression go way down. The second part for me is to always use an acclimation box to identify unexpected aggression.

I've only had one instance where a wrasse pretty much ignored the new fish in the acclimation box and then got testy once it was released. In that instance, I removed the established wrasse to one of my cycled QT tanks for about a month. On reintroduction the problem was solved.

 

[declanisadog]

Thanks guys. You are definitely confirming what I was already thinking.

I am by no means a wrasse virgin, but have never kept more than one or two together in a tank at a time.My plan for my newish tank is adding several fairy wrasses, a tamarin or two, and maybe a leopard. My problem is I already have a mystery wrasse.

I would like to catch the mystery wrasse, and move it to my other tank, but that’s easier said than done. Fortunately it is the smallest mystery wrasse you've ever seen, and he's been a model citizen for the several months he has been with me. He and the one other wrasse in the tank hang out together all the time. I'm starting to add some more expensive fish though, and don't want to be caught with my pants down.

 

[4FordFamily]

My wrasse tank had 22 wrasse in it at one point (a 125) the only other fish was a small Blonde Naso tang.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I would be quite wary of adding more wrasse to an established mystery wrasse. Their whole genus can be quite aggressive to other wrasses.

 

[declanisadog]

I would be quite wary of adding more wrasse to an established mystery wrasse. Their whole genus can be quite aggressive to other wrasses.

I agree, and have every intention of getting him out if at all possible. I have a flame wrasse in QT right now so here’s to hoping I can make it happen soon...