One flame wrasse doesn't look as good as the other- help?

DracoKat · Sep 7, 2017

I have two female flame wrasses. Both being treated for parasites as one of them had stringy poop. They've been in QT for 2 weeks now

Take a look at the video. One of them does not seem as bright and smooth as the other one. She's been hanging out In that corner for a few days and is picking on food. She's the one I'm concerned about

The other one had the stringy poop but looks much better. I included her in the video so you can compare the two.

Ive been doing water changes twice a week.
Please excuse the algae on the glass and floating food. they are picky on what they like to eat (bloodworms is their favs)

What can I do?

leahfiish · Sep 7, 2017

To me it looks like an aggression issue, have you tried keeping them separated with egg crate or putting the healthier one in an acclimation box?

DracoKat · Sep 7, 2017

there really isn't too much aggression. the occassional dominant nips. I have some egg crate I can cut down to fit to try.. gotta see if the holes are small enough

Humblefish · Sep 7, 2017

DracoKat said:
there really isn't too much aggression. the occassional dominant nips. I have some egg crate I can cut down to fit to try.. gotta see if the holes are small enough

Within the first 10 seconds of the video the one female nips at the other. I would use a divider to separate them and see if her behavior improves.

DracoKat · Sep 7, 2017

Divided added! See if it helps

Thanks!

DracoKat · Sep 7, 2017

the divider's been up for an hour and half, and I can see her being more brave and swimming around more.

Thank you both for your suggestions. Seems like this may do the trick.

4FordFamily · Sep 7, 2017

I was going to suggest aggression and there you have it!

ngoodermuth · Sep 9, 2017

Just so you are aware, contrary to what many retailers portray...fairy wrasses don't really "pair" or "trio" in home aquaria. The chances of conspecifics getting along together after they both turn male (in less than 300ish gallons) is very slim.

I once unknowingly bought a "trio" of flame wrasses and ended up selling two of them when they all started turning male...

DracoKat · Sep 9, 2017

ngoodermuth said:
Just so you are aware, contrary to what many retailers portray...fairy wrasses don't really "pair" or "trio" in home aquaria. The chances of conspecifics getting along together after they both turn male (in less than 300ish gallons) is very slim.

I once unknowingly bought a "trio" of flame wrasses and ended up selling two of them when they all started turning male...

I am getting mixed responses on this subject. Some say its OK, some say it's not. Both online and in retails- it's a hit or miss it seems. I figure if they really don't get along in my DT, I can take the next step and trade/sell one off.

ngoodermuth · Sep 9, 2017

Here's a good article on the subject from @evolved, the resident wrasse-lover extraordinaire

'Pairing' Wrasses: That's Not How Any of this Works!

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php...es:-That's-Not-How-Any-of-this-Works!.258310/

leahfiish · Sep 9, 2017

If they aren't getting along in qt as 2 "females" I wouldn't count on them staying females...

evolved · Sep 11, 2017

DracoKat said:
I am getting mixed responses on this subject. Some say its OK, some say it's not. Both online and in retails- it's a hit or miss it seems. I figure if they really don't get along in my DT, I can take the next step and trade/sell one off.

IMO, those who say it's okay simply haven't ever kept "pairs" longer than 2 years.

DracoKat · Sep 11, 2017

Thanks @evolved . Again it's something to keep an eye on.

Back to the wrasse in question above- she's not eating well. She'd bite and spit out. She's on metro and focus for parasites and I did a water change 2 days ago.
What can I do? The other looks great in comparison