Lineatus Wrasse '...so help me'.

[64Ivy]

Is it just me, or has this species been coming in even 'dirtier' than usual lately? So far, I've lost three right behind each other, mostly in QT thank God. Two of the three came from different vendors and lasted just long enough for their respective guarantees to expire. The first one UPS killed by holding it some 24 hours at one of their hubs for a yet to be explained reason. The second just seemed to slowly stop eating and wither away despite making it through two rounds of Prazi. This last one always acted strange. He too ate at first but always swam like he'd suffered a spinal injury; almost vertically. Finally, he just stopped eating, rolled to his side, floated to the top, and remained that way ALIVE for several days before expiring. He was in QT with another fish which I'd been treated with Metro (and seems to be doing well, by the way). Being married, I'm perfectly willing to accept the fact that this has all been my fault somehow but if so, I'd really love to hear what I might have done wrong. So for those of you who still try to keep these fish (and from what I've been reading, a few of you have not), what would YOUR QT protocol be? Except for CP, I've got most 'common' medications on hand but no real room for ttm, thanks.

 

[Brew12]

I'm sorry you are having so many problems. Unfortunately, I'm not much help with wrasses.

I just had to say that this

Being married, I'm perfectly willing to accept the fact that this has all been my fault somehow but if so, I'd really love to hear what I might have done wrong.

has to be the funniest yet truest thing I've read all day!

 

[jlanger]

Sorry to hear about your issues with the Lineatus.

I've had my male Lineatus Wrasse since early August and he's been doing great, so there are good specimens available. As far as my QT procedure, I cannot really offer any advice other than I purchased my fish from LiveAquaria's Diver's Den facility. In fact, most of my fish come from there. They really take the time to make sure all fish are acclimated to captivity, are disease free and in good health and are eating well prior to sale. The extra time and care that they place on their livestock is worth it.

Anecdotally... After returning home from MACNA this year, I came home to my wrasse exhibiting pop eye. The fish was still eating and plenty active, but he would stay guarded to protect his eye. After a couple of days, the eye grew quite large; quite disturbingly so. I called and asked if I should take any action to prevent the loss of the eye or fish. I was told that as long as the fish was eating, and eating a very rich and healthy diet (LRS Frenzy blends), that the fish should be okay. Fairy wrasses are known to scratch their eyes which will get enflamed and after a few weeks, the eye will recover. And that's exactly what happened.
The wrasse has become very active with the rest of my tank's inhabitants; no aggression whatsoever. He's no longer timid or protective of his eye; in fact, he will even closely follow me around as I do maintenance on the tank.

Hopefully you can find a healthy specimen; they're great fish!

 

[Jahalu]

Sorry for the losses. I'm not a wrasse expert, but I had a similar situation with a few anthias last year. Same thing- stopped eating and tail looked droopy, but no spots or markings. Very frustrating, and unfortunately I never found a cure (or a sure diagnosis). Not much help, but at least you can be sure you're not alone.