Rhomboid Wrasse, flashing/nuptial dancing

[Drauka99]

I picked up a adult male Rhomboid wrasse a few months ago from a local hobbyist, about 4".

The past week or so he had been "flashing" for about 5 minutes each night (afternoon tank time) His face will change to more of a lemon yellow like his back portion and there seems to be a darker purple splotch right at the base of his dorsal fin.

Doing a bit of searching it seems like this is a nuptial dance. my only wonder is because there are no other wrasses in the tank. Could it be something else?

Other tank mates

1 Coral beauty angel
2 Percula Clowns
1 Lyretail Anthias
1 firefish
1 Ruby Red dragonet

He seems slightly interested in the lyretail anthias and one of the clowns when he is doing this but seems to ignore everyone mostly.

 

[eatbreakfast]

He is showing his dominance. If he were in the wild and a female werein the area, he would be seen as a desirable father to pass her genes on with.

 

[Drauka99]

funny... he was a scared poopless by the angel when he was first added. Glad to see/hear he must be feeling his Wheaties now.

 

[evolved]

The dusk period is the time when fish spawn, and he's simply displaying for such behavior. He simply doesn't know there's zero chance of a female coming along.

 

[Drauka99]

Poor guy, guess I'll take it as a sign he is in good health and is happy.

 

[evolved]

Yup; just enjoy the show! It's a species that has a fantastic visual display, so there's that.

 

[Drauka99]

I picked him up for a steal. any other wrasse you might recommend if I was to add one with the other occupants?

 

[evolved]

Any "one"? No, I can't ever just think of one.

rhomboidalis is pretty mild; provided you don't pick another species that's known to be aggressive, just about anything would work.

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/all-about-reef-safe-wrasses-in-aquaria.28/
And if you'd like another Cirrhilabrus specifically:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cirrhilabrus-complexes-inferiority-need-not-apply.17/

 

[Drauka99]

Thanks, I'm thinking maybe a fairy wrasse. We'll see what i come up with.

 

[Drauka99]

Thoughts on adding either a Yellow Coris or a Melenarus to this tank? Both?

 

[jcdeng]

with your Rhomboid behaving like he is, the only other fairy that is "caution" is Lineatus male. They will mistaken each other as their own kind.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Thoughts on adding either a Yellow Coris or a Melenarus to this tank? Both?

Melanurus or yellow coris would be fine.

 

[Drauka99]

Thanks,. Thought I'd be ok with one or the other.

 

[Drauka99]

Local shop had a 5" or more Melanurus wrasse this weekend.... I couldn't resist and brought it home. Went in and not a single one of the other fish seemed to notice or care. He is eating like a pig and seems to be comfortable cruising the tank. he was missing a small chunk of tail fin but that will heal quickly.

The Rhomboid is still doing his dancing when the mood strikes him. He has pestered my remaining anthias till it usually hides when he starts going, but comes out and eats and acts normal otherwise.

 

[NeverlosT]

I have two potters wrasses, (one male one female) and he changes color like crazy and dances all over the place every day in an attempt to woo his "girlfriend" (she spends most of her time trying to avoid his advances, he must use bad pick-up lines).

Anyhow, I suggest potters wrasses a lot, very pretty fishy.