Melanuras Wrasse Poking at Glass

[Coral Hygiene]

I just got a melanuras wrasse 3 days ago and he has been swimming back and forth on the bottom of the glass of my quarantine tank. It looks like he is looking for sand, but during the night, he sleeps in my container with sand. I dropped some pellet food but did not bother to eat them. I dropped some the day before and they were gone today, so I figured that he ate them. I am not currently dosing anything and is in a 20 gal tank by itself.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

For food, try some selcon coated mysis or LRS Reef Frenzy, the melanurus I used to have would go absolutely nuts for that stuff.

As far as the picking at the glass goes, it could be seeing something on the underside it wants to get at or it may be doing something with its reflection. Fish are also just weird sometimes.

 

[Coral Hygiene]

For food, try some selcon coated mysis or LRS Reef Frenzy, the melanurus I used to have would go absolutely nuts for that stuff.

As far as the picking at the glass goes, it could be seeing something on the underside it wants to get at or it may be doing something with its reflection. Fish are also just weird sometimes.

Alright, thanks. I’ll have to try some of that Reef Frenzy. So I shouldn’t worry about this behavior?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Alright, thanks. I’ll have to try some of that Reef Frenzy. So I shouldn’t worry about this behavior?

Only if it starts showing signs of declining health or doesn't eat anything.

 

[Maritimer]

He may be trying to dive through the bottom to the dark, perceived secure "cave" that is the inside of your stand. You could try taping some kraft paper to the bottom of the tank, so he will turn his focus away from the bottom plate.

~Bruce

 

[eatbreakfast]

He can see through the bottom pane. Melanurus wrasses are very curious.

 

[FunWithFishes]

I recently put a melanurus wrasse through QT and noticed this behavior as well. Mine loves to pick at everything, and seeing himself and sand particles move in the bottom sent him picking. Didn't cause any problems, and made it through QT just fine, so shouldn't be a cause for alarm.