Melanurus Wrasse- Broken Jaw?

MichaelReefer · Mar 28, 2020

Ive noticed the last few weeks my Wrasse has been swimming around with his mouth open. After doing a little research I found it's pretty common for wrasse to injure their jaws by running into things and diving into the sand. He seems to be ok and is still eating. I'm assuming there really isn't much I can do to help him?

Appreciate any advice.

calvertc425 · Mar 29, 2020

How deep is ur sand bed and do u have a cover on ur tank?

fishguy242 · Mar 29, 2020

hi do you have any pics?

MichaelReefer · Mar 29, 2020

calvertc425 said:
How deep is ur sand bed and do u have a cover on ur tank?

2-3 inches and yes I have a cover.

calvertc425 · Mar 29, 2020

As long as he’s still eating I think he should recover somewhat

MichaelReefer · Mar 29, 2020

fishguy242 said:
hi do you have any pics?

fishguy242 · Mar 29, 2020

hi from that pic does not look too bad believe will heal imo,but now WOW,need a full tank shot

SuncrestReef · Aug 28, 2020

Has your wrasse recovered? My melanurus wrasse has the same problem and has been swimming around for the past month with his mouth wide open. He's still eating when I feed daily, but can't really nip at the rocks or nori the way he used to. Here's a quick video:

MichaelReefer · Aug 30, 2020

SuncrestReef said:
Has your wrasse recovered? My melanurus wrasse has the same problem and has been swimming around for the past month with his mouth wide open. He's still eating when I feed daily, but can't really nip at the rocks or nori the way he used to. Here's a quick video:

He still has the problem but can eat.

JustinMN18 · Jul 25, 2021

How did it turn out? Mine is the same way. Wide open mouth, but sleeps in the sand still, can close it if he wants to, and eats. But swims constantly with the mouth wide open.

JustinMN18 · Jul 25, 2021

SuncrestReef said:
Has your wrasse recovered? My melanurus wrasse has the same problem and has been swimming around for the past month with his mouth wide open. He's still eating when I feed daily, but can't really nip at the rocks or nori the way he used to. Here's a quick video:

How did it turn out? Mine is the same way. Wide open mouth, but sleeps in the sand still, can close it if he wants to, and eats. But swims constantly with the mouth wide open.

SuncrestReef · Jul 25, 2021

JustinMN18 said:
How did it turn out? Mine is the same way. Wide open mouth, but sleeps in the sand still, can close it if he wants to, and eats. But swims constantly with the mouth wide open.

Sadly, he didn't survive. I think he lasted about 2-3 months after I noticed the jaw problem.