Melanarus wrasse attacking new leopard wrasse

[David Haldane]

Hello all,

I’ve recently finished a QT on a new leopard wrasse. After feeding my DT heavy, I added it to my 60 gallon DT which has a Melanarus wrasse. The Melanarus has been present for two months. The Melanarus started to obsessively attack the leopard wrasse upon sight. I turned the lights off to calm them down a bit and the leopard burrowed for a few days. I’ve been watching every day when the lights come on for the leopard to surface, and it did this morning. After it surfaced, the Melanarus immediately started attacking it again. I am not sure how many times the leopard has attempted to surface when I’ve been at work during the week.

The two fish are of similar size, but the leopard is smaller. Both appear to still be females and are 2-3” in length.

I currently have the leopard in a specimen container box which I’ve drilled holes in to allow for water flow. I am doing so to keep it in the DT but separate it from the Melanarus. I fed it well this morning after separating them as I doubt it’s been able to eat while running from the Melanurus.

Can anyone give any advice in regard to getting these two to coexist? I was under the impression these were two peaceful wrasses which would easily cohabitate, but the Melanarus’ behavior was unexpected. The Melanarus also constantly forages and eats any food in sight to the point it’s belly is visibly distended. The leopard appears to be a very calm and well-tempered fish.

I appreciate your input

 

[Bob Weigant]

I have never had luck with those 2 being together

 

[WMR]

How big is your tank? How long has the Melanarus wrasse been in there? He’s being aggressive because he’s the dominant wrasse. Whenever you have existing fish with same or similar looks or habits, you’ have this issue. You did the right thing by isolating the leopard wrasse, hopefully the Melanarus wrasse will eventually allow him in the tank, if not, you may have to rehome one of them

 

[David Haldane]

60G DT, the wrasse has been present for approximately 2 months. I’ve updated the original post with this information. Thanks for your input!

How big is your tank? How long has the Melanarus wrasse been in there? He’s being aggressive because he’s the dominant wrasse. Whenever you have existing fish with same or similar looks or habits, you’ have this issue. You did the right thing by isolating the leopard wrasse, hopefully the Melanarus wrasse will eventually allow him in the tank, if not, you may have to rehome one of them

 

[Bob Weigant]

my opinion is your 60 is too small for both

 

[David Haldane]

Thanks all. For you melanurus owners, do you have problems with your Melanurus eating your crabs? I've had a few empty shells show up recently.

 

[reef lover]

The melanarus eats everything! I dont have a cuc left....

 

[David Haldane]

I’m considering trying to get rid of mine... I feel like it will become a nightmare!