Redstripe (candycane hogfish) is fiesty..... is this normal

Stew18 · Oct 12, 2015

This is a repeat post due to me putting it in the wrong place before - sorry

I have a few fish in my tank (40 gallon Innovative Marine). All get along great. I have a tiny marine betta, small diamond goby, small starry blenny, and a candycane hogfish. My wife wanted another colorful fish. So yesterday afternoon I bought a tiny 6 line wrasse (the smallest one I have ever seen - less than an inch). He spent yesterday afternoon and evening hiding in a little rock cave. Today he ventures out and swims around but not far from his cave.

So tonight while feeding I noticed the wrasse would come out to eat but the redstripe (candycane) would chase him back in his cave.

I guess what I am asking if this is normal? It was my understanding that the hogfish is peaceful but I know they all are different. Or is this behaviour because there is a new guy in the tank and will get better over time? I just dont want the little guy to live in fear his whole existence.

Any and all feedback is appreciated - thank you

eatbreakfast · Oct 12, 2015

Stew18 said:
This is a repeat post due to me putting it in the wrong place before - sorry

I have a few fish in my tank (40 gallon Innovative Marine). All get along great. I have a tiny marine betta, small diamond goby, small starry blenny, and a candycane hogfish. My wife wanted another colorful fish. So yesterday afternoon I bought a tiny 6 line wrasse (the smallest one I have ever seen - less than an inch). He spent yesterday afternoon and evening hiding in a little rock cave. Today he ventures out and swims around but not far from his cave.

So tonight while feeding I noticed the wrasse would come out to eat but the redstripe (candycane) would chase him back in his cave.

I guess what I am asking if this is normal? It was my understanding that the hogfish is peaceful but I know they all are different. Or is this behaviour because there is a new guy in the tank and will get better over time? I just dont want the little guy to live in fear his whole existence.

Any and all feedback is appreciated - thank you

That has been similar to my experiences with them, getting more aggressive as they get older.

Sixlines aren't a walk in the park as they mature either.

Stew18 · Oct 12, 2015

Thanks fish nerd

I am a beginner and am trying to get this right. I know that some fish live in tanks and every once in a while chase each other and that is normal? What should I be looking for when I know I need to get rid of one?

eatbreakfast · Oct 12, 2015

Stew18 said:
Thanks fish nerd I am a beginner and am trying to get this right. I know that some fish live in tanks and every once in a while chase each other and that is normal? What should I be looking for when I know I need to get rid of one?

Some posturing is normal, but if one is getting injured or being chased into almost constant hiding, then a choice needs to be made.