Melanurus Wrasse picking on Cloves?

[Reefer37]

Has anybody had experience with melanurus wrasses or any other halichoeres wrasses going after cloves or similar coral?

My only thought is maybe he saw something on the frag, but when I watch it looks like he's going after the coral itself.

Could he be mistaking it thinking it's a tube worm or feather duster? I've always known these guys to be reef safe.

 

[Reefer37]

Well, after watching him literally pickup the frag and rip off one of the clove polyps I can definitely say he was picking on the coral itself.

I went ahead and cut up a water bottle to help protect the cloves for now until I figure out what I want to do.

Just wanted to let people know that this is definitely a possibility with these guys. So crazy, I always thought they were reef safe, I guess with caution.

 

[Tchung23]

Just saw mine do it too. I thought I was just seeing things. Also thought maybe he was picking at some pods it worms on my clove!! Glad I’m not just seeing things.