Six line wrasse bullying orchid dottyback

ccbobafett · Apr 4, 2018

So my new six line wrasse who has been in the tank two weeks now seems to be bullying my orchid dottyback.

The wrasse will go over to the dottyback and almost immediate him and will some times even chase him. The dottyback does not seem to fight back much mostly runs.

My question is can I combat the aggression? Or does one need to move?

Or Could it be the wrasse establishing domince over the dottyback?

Anyway thanks for any suggestions or help.

Justfebreezeit · Apr 4, 2018

Sixlines can be and often times are total dbags. Just keep an eye on the situation and if it starts getting to the point where hes leaving marks on the dottyback than rehome one of them. I'd suggest the sixline if you intend to get more fish.

Fritzhamer · Apr 4, 2018

These two are classic enemies. There can be only one.

Coronus · Apr 4, 2018

Six lines are ruthless.......

TheShrimpMeister · Apr 5, 2018

ccbobafett said:
So my new six line wrasse who has been in the tank two weeks now seems to be bullying my orchid dottyback.

The wrasse will go over to the dottyback and almost immediate him and will some times even chase him. The dottyback does not seem to fight back much mostly runs.

My question is can I combat the aggression? Or does one need to move?

Or Could it be the wrasse establishing domince over the dottyback?

Anyway thanks for any suggestions or help.

I have a six line wrasse who picks on my cleaner wrasse, who's four times his length. I though everything accepted cleaner wrasse. [emoji53]

eatbreakfast · Apr 5, 2018

Sixline aggression rarely improves, it usually gets worse.

ccbobafett · Apr 5, 2018

Thanks for the suggestions, it seems like it will most likely get worse. I will monitor the aggression and if the dottyback gets physically injured I will rehome what ever one I can catch.

Thanks for the suggestions and help.

4FordFamily · Apr 5, 2018

I would not monitor the aggression, I’s remove the sixline ASAP. If you don’t, it’s almost certain that you’ll end up with an evil wrasse and no orchid. Sixline are evil.

chowwil · Apr 5, 2018

Sixlines is a hit and miss. Some are bullies and some will get along with other. I have my sixline for over a year and he gets along with everyone. Now my pygmy angel is a different story. Always pic on one specific clown, the the largest one in the group. He ok with other except the large clown.

Mikedawg · Apr 5, 2018

My six line quickly began bullying a neon dottyback (usually considered very aggressive once established) soon after he entered the tank. I learned the hard way to be careful with them.

ccbobafett · Apr 5, 2018

So I should remove him ASAP? well that sucks was so close to finishing stocking the tank.

If I can’t catch him I may just remove the dottyback the six line was going to be my last or second to last fish, anyway.

Any suggestions or good replacements for the six line if I can catch him? Or replacement for the dottyback if I catch him?

evolved · Apr 5, 2018

Unless the sixline is removed, you can forget about adding anything in the future at this point, unfortunately.

Mikedawg · Apr 5, 2018

What else is in your tank? If you want a wrasse, how about an orange back fairy - (Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis)? Royal Gramma and Long-nosed hawkfish are colorful and interesting as well.

Justfebreezeit · Apr 5, 2018

Pink streaked wrasse is a good swap for the sixline. Same family and eats pests almost as well. As well as extremely peaceful

Or one of the pygmy wrasses. Like Tanaka's.

Im assuming you want something of similar size.

ccbobafett · Apr 5, 2018

evolved said:
Unless the sixline is removed, you can forget about adding anything in the future at this point, unfortunately.

Does this just apply to other wrasses? Or any fish? I planned on adding either a Midas blenny or barletts anthia as my last fish after the wrasse.

The orange back looks stunning another consideration of I can get the six line out.

I always wanted a hawkfish of some sort but I think he would eat my neon goby? If not I will probably get a long nose.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

ccbobafett · Apr 5, 2018

Justfebreezeit said:
Pink streaked wrasse is a good swap for the sixline. Same family and eats pests almost as well. As well as extremely peaceful

Or one of the pygmy wrasses. Like Tanaka's.

Im assuming you want something of similar size.

Oh I like the pink streak, I might swap out the six line with a pink streaked if I can find one. I forgot to mention the tank is 90 gallons.

evolved · Apr 5, 2018

ccbobafett said:
Does this just apply to other wrasses? Or any fish?

It could very well apply to any/all fish.

ccbobafett said:
Oh I like the pink streak, I might swap out the six line with a pink streaked if I can find one.

A much better alternative.

ccbobafett · Apr 5, 2018

So I guess I will swap him out for some type of Pygmy wrasse, most likely. Thanks for the help.

Davy Jones · Apr 5, 2018

Halichoeres based wrasse's are typically considered peaceful and works well with most tank inhabitants. I also have a 6line who hates my dottyback. And when i tear this tank down to upgrade, the 6 line will not be moving with me

ccbobafett · Apr 5, 2018

Dirtrider225 said:
Halichoeres based wrasse's are typically considered peaceful and works well with most tank inhabitants. I also have a 6line who hates my dottyback. And when i tear this tank down to upgrade, the 6 line will not be moving with me

The halichoeres wrasse are probably my favorite wrasses, unfortunately I have a crushed coral substrate[emoji53] I always wanted a red lined wrasse or dusky wrasse probably some of my favorite fish.

Well some good news, the six line seems to have calmed down a bit and is not harassing the dottyback and is on the other side of the tank. And when he approaches the dottyback does not chase him. I know I will still have to move him but it seems to have at least improved some.

Thanks for the help and suggestion.