New wrasse....when to worry?

g8rorchid · Apr 24, 2017

I purchased an earmuff wrasse (Halichoeres Melasmapomus) this past Wednesday. I put him/her in an acclimation box along with a "sand tub". He looked like he wanted to dive into some sand, but he needed my help to find the sand tub. He went into the sand soon after and he has yet to come out. I figured by now he would have come out. At what point do I begin to worry about his survival? I put some brine on top of the sand, hoping to entice him to come out, but it didn't work. However, it does look like most of the brine is gone and I am hoping it is because he ate it and not that it was blown away by the pumps.

Thanks!

ngoodermuth · Apr 24, 2017

I've heard of sand dwelling wrasses disappearing for a couple of weeks when first introduced. I'd give it a little more time. If it goes much longer than two weeks maybe start to wonder...

LostInTheDark · Apr 24, 2017

Is an acclimation box necessary for a wrasse? He might be better off burying himself in the sand in the tank where he can slowly get used to things. He'll find plenty to eat among the rocks and sand.

eatbreakfast · Apr 24, 2017

If there are other wrasses in the tank, then an acclimation box is a good idea.

Sand burying wrasses usually come out of the sand when they are about to die.

It is not impossible for them to remain buried for up to a month. It is also possible that it is coming out at 'off' hours. To combat this I do not offer sand the first 2-3 days, so that it is not in a panicked state and gets adjusted to my light schedule.

g8rorchid · Apr 24, 2017

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated! I put the sand in and showed it to him because he looked stressed trying to bury himself in the plastic (if that makes sense). I didn't want him to panic and thought the sand would help ease the stress. The wrasses in the tank are a pair of African leopard wrasses and a red margin wrasse. Should I leave him in the acclimation box or move him to the display tank? Should I put more brine on the top of the sand?

eatbreakfast · Apr 25, 2017

I would leave it be. Unburying a wrasse will cause it to bury even longer.

A little bit of food that you can observe to see if it is being eaten in 'off' hours is good. Try using mysis as it is more nutritious than brine.

g8rorchid · Apr 25, 2017

@eatbreakfast - you were right, when I came home from work today he was out of the sand and dead

I would love to find another one, but I'm wondering if they are more difficult to keep than I thought? I know they are rare, but has anyone seen any or have suggestions on who to contact?

eatbreakfast · Apr 26, 2017

g8rorchid said:
@eatbreakfast - you were right, when I came home from work today he was out of the sand and dead I would love to find another one, but I'm wondering if they are more difficult to keep than I thought? I know they are rare, but has anyone seen any or have suggestions on who to contact?

Their availability is intermittent, NY Aquatic periodically has them.

Dragonreef202 · Apr 27, 2017

Sorry he didn't make it. I have just received a order with 2 wrasses 1 wrasse I'm worried about he's just lying on his side. They say they don't ship well. Second time ordering wrasses. Hope it works out for me.