Halichoeres wrasse scared of tang

[Hughesy]

Hi all, hope you're well during these crazy times.

I dont post often so feel bad to pop up and ask for help but hoping there's some experience/expertise around who can help with my current situation.

I have a Reefer 250, 6 months old. Fish stock (up until the weekend) was 1 x ocellaris clown, 1 x tailspot blenny, 1 x yellow coris/halichoeres wrasse, 1 x purple firefish and 1 x green chromis.

At the weekend I added a small tomini tang (2.5 inches). Since then, my yellow halichoeres wrasse has been in hiding (sandbed). The tang showed no aggression to him or any other fish in the tank.

The wrasse is an initial phase male but starting to get the streaks on his cheeks, healthy, stocky and around 3.5inches long. Prior to the addition of the tang he was buzzing around the tank as always with no sign of any ill health.

Has anyone seen this behaviour before and have any guidance? I know halichoeres wrasse can spend extended periods in the sand but how long should I give him?

I was hoping that a small tomini would be ok in this size tank for 18months or so to help with algae control until my tank settled, corals grew out etc. But the wrasse is a loved pet now so will have to return the tang if the situation doesnt change! :-D

Many thanks in advance for your support!

 

[Infidel]

It's normal for a halichoeres to hit the sand if stressed/frightened. He should come out once used to the tang, give him some time (up to a week).

 

[Hughesy]

Thanks @Infidel, appreciate the quick reply. Is that the max amount of time you'd allow (1 week)?

 

[Infidel]

It could sometimes take a little longer, but I would say maybe 7-10 days. Has he come out yet?

 

[Zionas]

Do they jump a bit less than other wrasses? I’m referring to the Halichoeres genus.

 

[jordan10]

I got a yellow coris wrasse and blue tank. And idk I'd the blue Tang is being aggressive. But he is always chasing the wrasse around they are always by each other side. But the wrasse never hit the sand. And when I put my new leopard wrasse in he would nip at her tail. And cause her to hit sand but after couple weeks he doesn't do it anymore. So hopefully ur wrasse will come out and get use to Tang. Best luck and happy Reefing!!!

 

[Hughesy]

Not yet . Though with the shops closed I'll have to see it through. The purple firefish was previously pretty scared and even the green chromis to a lesser extent but they're both out and about more so hopefully the wrasse will be too!

 

[anew2thereef]

Strange I’m going thru the same thing... my timor wrasse is freaking out... but the wrasses I have seem fine... I have radiant, pencil wrasse, earmuff, red head.. all ok with him but tomini is only chasing the timor wrasse... is it normal?

 

[evolved]

Tomini's can sometimes be pushy with some wrasses. If it's targeting a specific one, then it would be normal for that one to freak out.