Need advice

[lviva003]

Hello everyone!

Yesterday I came home and noticed that my clownfish and firefish tail were nipped. Right now the clownfish keeps rubbing against the sand which is making me very worry. I have a 36 gallon reef tank and I have a total of 4 fish: 1 clown, 1 firefish, 1 six line wrasse, and 1 bicolor blenny. The latest addition in my tank is the bicolor blenny which I added him almost a month ago. Before I added the bicolor everything has been fine and never noticed any nipping or harassing. Even now, I still don't notice any fish harassing each other during the day. I'm thinking who ever is doing the harm is happening during lights out. Anyways, I just wanted to know who do you guys think is the fish that has been nipping and biting the firefish and clownfish? I thought the bicolor blenny were supposed to be peaceful. I feed my fish Rod's food every other day. My tank has been running for 7 months and I run filter floss, carbon, GFO, and a skimmer. Water parameters are: PH- 8. Ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate - 2, Salinity - 1.026. I also added an anemone about two and half weeks ago which disappeared the second day. I also have a cleaner shrimp, crabs, and snails. If you guys can provide your input I will highly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Girlsfish2]

I had a six line wrasse once and he nipped at almost all my fish's fins. When he jumped over board needles to say I wasn't very disappointed. They say to add a wrasse last because they become very territorial

 

[lviva003]

I thought it may have been the wrasse, but its weird because he's gotten along with the other fish just fine in the past. The wrasse and clown are always swimming together. Hmmm ill keep an eye in him though. Thanks

 

[Girlsfish2]

Definitely watch him because it's when he gets bold he gets sassy

 

[Tahoe61]

Rubbing against sand and rock aka flashing is not always a bad thing. You've chosen some fish that have the potential for being aggressive, namely the wrasse, the clown, and the blenny. The smaller the tank the more likely the problem. I like your fish choices except for the fire fish, he may not have the personality to stand up to the more dominate fish in your tank.

Google bicolor-blenny aggression and you'll see that some individuals of that fish type can be aggressive right from the get go.

It's going to have to be a wait and watch unfortunately because there is always the rouge cleaner shrimp and crabs to consider as a possible culprit.

Consider increasing the feedings to daily and see if the problems resolves. Hungry fish, shrimp and crabs can be the root of the problem.

 

[lviva003]

Thank you everyone for your input. I will definitely keep an eye on the wrasse, every time I look at the tank he seems a little fishie now. I will feed them everyday now and hopefully the mystery attacks will vanish. I will try to report back in a few days and keep you guys updated.

 

[lviva003]

So today I woke up and noticed that my firefish tail is completely gone. Yesterday I looked at my tank as much as I could and I still did not noticed which fish is causing all this trouble.

 

[lviva003]

Is the six line!!!! Anyone with suggestions on how to catch this fast little devil?

 

[Tahoe61]

Six lines make a mucous cocoon to sleep in at night. Try to figure out where the fish sleeps by looking in the middle of the night with a flash light.

Your other choice is a fish trap, just google "youtube fish traps" they're fairly easy to make out of a liter coke bottle.

Six lines are smart so good luck to you.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Six lines make a mucous cocoon to sleep in at night. Try to figure out where the fish sleeps by looking in the middle of the night with a flash light.

Your other choice is a fish trap, just google "youtube fish traps" they're fairly easy to make out of a liter coke bottle.

Six lines are smart so good luck to you.

+1! You'll either have to "fish nab" him while he sleeps (if he's easy to get to...which is unlikely...) or use a fish trap. I've used a two liter coke bottle with success.

 

[lviva003]

I managed to get him out, but now he is extremely stressed out. He is the qt tank and he's just sitting in the corner breathing heavily. You guys think he'll make it?

 

[lviva003]

Now for some reason my firefish is swimming against the glass... I thought he'll be happy that the wrasse is out... Here is a picture of the fire fish (Mr. Noodles). He was my first fish.

 

[Zallman125]

Most likely the wrasse ! And the rubbing on sand or rocks could be ich is on the way ! :crossedlips:

 

[Tahoe61]

Fire fish do poorly when stressed. The wrasse will most likely be fine if you give it a hiding place.

Good for you catching the little bugger so quickly.

 

[Pete polyp]

Fire fish do poorly when stressed. The wrasse will most likely be fine if you give it a hiding place.

Good for you catching the little bugger so quickly.

I have never had luck with firefish. I'm giving them one last go, and the 4 I have seem to be doing well.