Melanarus Wrasse Mysterious Death

[ChelseaBidwell]

SWF labeled it as a Christmas Wrasse. Same thing? Is it common for them to injure themselves? Forgot to post same day, but we found him dead Saturday morning (3 days ago) laying on the sand. Got him out and found that his face is messed up. Maybe diving into the sand? I don't think any of his QT mates would have bothered him (Lawnmower Blenny/ Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasse/ tiny, baby Scissortail Dartfish). Not sure what to make of it. He also had a couple spots where his scales were gone, but I think it might just be decomposition. He was laying on that side. I am assuming the white slimy thing is his night coat? Could there possibly be a parisitic culprit? Maybe I didn't leave enough time for the sand to settle? Idk. I'm questioning everything now. Lol

Successfully Completed Treatments (QT#1)-
2.0 Cu Therapeutic (Copper Power)
Furan-2
Kana
Metro

At the time of death, he was 4 days into the GC treatment (Last Meds / Transferred to QT#2)

Water Parameters at the time of death-
pH: 7.8
NH3: 0 ppm
NO2: 0 ppm
NO3: 0 ppm
SG: 1.016
Temp: 75.6°F

@Omgitsjoe

 

[jd371]

Sorry for your loss. Wrasses when startled will crash into rocks or the glass causing injury. Earlier this year I had to euthanize a Fairy Wrasse that had a spinal injury from hitting the glass.

 

[Magellan]

Temp is a little low, and SG should be at least 1.020, ideally 1.025 imo.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Hi!
Christmas wrasse often is used to describe 4 different species of wrasses all from the same genus. Luckily all but one have similar care requirements(the fourth is more aggressive). Really its a lazy way to describe them, so the lfs cant be wrong lol.

Agree this could be physical damage from hiding. With wrasses it often helps to keep lighting very low. I just use ambient room lighting till i begin to acclimate to my dts lighting schedule.
the tail damage could likely be from the other fish finding him first and having a snack.
What was your GC treatment schedule?