Melanarus Problem

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 15, 2015

Im not sure if I should get rid of mine or not. I've added to two wrasses over the last 4 days and he is not letting either come out of the rock. I have others, two hooded, punctatus and lunatus and he doesn't bother them. Some of those were added after him as well. My Lunatus is only like 1.5". Any recommendations?

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 15, 2015

Anyone? I did end up catch him and putting him in my sump for now. Should I bring him back or re introduce him after a few days? One of the wrasses I finally came out now that he is gone.

big blue · Jul 15, 2015

I would let him stay in the sunp for about two weeks, letting the new wrasses settle in, and reintroduce him. Its not unusual for a melanarus to get a little nippy with newly introduced wrasses.

eatbreakfast · Jul 16, 2015

Do you use a social acclimation box? They really do help lessen aggression and even if it doesn't you can see the potential issues prior to releasing the new fish.

Which fish did you catch, the melanurus or the cf. lanceolatus?

Diesel · Jul 16, 2015

A social acclimation box is what I use too for a few days.
Of course after I QT my new fish and they went already to the stress period and eating well.
I leave them in the acclimation box for at least 4 days and all fish are used to the new comer I release it.
The new fish can also get used to their new home that way and doesn't feel stressed when released.

4FordFamily · Jul 16, 2015

I've never had trouble with melanarus or vroliks. Hope he behaves better upon re introduction

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 16, 2015

Im not sure what to do because it was a PITA to catch him and what happens when I add more wrasses again?

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 16, 2015

Diesel said:
A social acclimation box is what I use too for a few days.
Of course after I QT my new fish and they went already to the stress period and eating well.
I leave them in the acclimation box for at least 4 days and all fish are used to the new comer I release it.
The new fish can also get used to their new home that way and doesn't feel stressed when released.

Thats not a bad idea. I didn't even think of that.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 16, 2015

eatbreakfast said:
Do you use a social acclimation box? They really do help lessen aggression and even if it doesn't you can see the potential issues prior to releasing the new fish.

Which fish did you catch, the melanurus or the cf. lanceolatus?

I had to catch the Melanurus.

big blue · Jul 16, 2015

Honestly they are one of the easiest fish to catch. They are so food aggressive if you make a fish trap from a bag and fishing line and a small weight, throw some food in the bag and bam he'll swim right in

4FordFamily · Jul 16, 2015

Breakthecycle2 said:
Im not sure what to do because it was a PITA to catch him and what happens when I add more wrasses again?

Trade him out for another one, IMO. Vroliks are cool too

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 16, 2015

3FordFamily said:
Trade him out for another one, IMO. Vroliks are cool too

I probably should right? As soon as I got him out the CF lanceolatus came out. The royal is still in hiding.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 16, 2015

big blue said:
Honestly they are one of the easiest fish to catch. They are so food aggressive if you make a fish trap from a bag and fishing line and a small weight, throw some food in the bag and bam he'll swim right in

Maybe, but I had to net him. I don't have a trap.

zemuss · Jul 16, 2015

I actually want to get rid of my melanarus because he eats all of the snails in the tank. I feed this guy every day and still he picks at the snails..

scardall · Jul 16, 2015

There are some good suggestions here. Do this and things will likely be much better. Re-Arrange ALL Rock work in a completely new looking environment. As you may already be aware Territory' s are established by fish. I have done this with success with Angels and a 8 line wrasse. Last Resort trade the bad butt in to a LFS or sell him. Good Luck

4FordFamily · Jul 16, 2015

I've never had an aggressive melanarus or Vroliks. Not saying it's uncommon, but I've owned 2-3 at a time for 10 years or more. I've never had an aggressive fish. I've had probably 10 total. (I tend to sell fish once they reach 5")

Although highly anecdotal data, I personally would ditch him and get another. They're hardy and not hard to find!

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 16, 2015

Yeah I know, I feel bad bringing him back but I also feel bad keeping in a 10 gallon fuge.

Diesel · Jul 16, 2015

Sushi!

ReeferBean · Jul 16, 2015

Breakthecycle2 said:
Anyone? I did end up catch him and putting him in my sump for now. Should I bring him back or re introduce him after a few days? One of the wrasses I finally came out now that he is gone.

I had a melanurus for a few years, it got more and more aggressive especially to other wrasses so I eventually re homed it. If I was you I would do the same.