The leopard wrasse that disappeared

Blue Meg · Jun 13, 2017

I bought a leopard wrasse from the lfs a couple of weeks ago. I put it in my observation box in the tank for a few hours and it seemed fine. When I let it out it disappeared and has not been seen since.

Any suggestions on temperamental fish? I was thinking of buying another one at the lfs and having them keep it for a week before I pick it up.

Hazmat312 · Jun 13, 2017

Following.
I had the same exact thing happen to me. I put him in the tank and he went right into the sand.. A few days later he was dead. Idk why or how this happened.

4FordFamily · Jun 13, 2017

This is a common problem with leopard wrasse. For one, their internal clock has them on very different time zones than we are on in the US (assuming you are in the US).

Also, they tend to hide in the sand for weeks, I had one hide a full month before emerging. Unfortunately, due to internal parasites in large part, they can be difficult fish to get established. Once established, several leopard species prove hardy.

Prazipro and metroplex (the former kills flukes and external worms, the latter kills internal) is a great way to give them a good fighting chance.

They do well with lots of pods present, as some can be difficult to feed. These are difficult/expert level fish that prefer established tanks with sandbeds and more docile tankmates to thrive.

Salty1962 · Jun 13, 2017

Give it some time. It will come out when it gets hungry if it's not sick.

Reefpro · Jun 14, 2017

I keep all my san burrowers in an acclimation box. With 3" sand for a couple weeks before releasing to ensure they are eating and not getting picked on. This has worked well for leopards. I have a totsl of 6 only lost one and it did not arrive in the bag well do i chalk it up to that. Goid luck hope he is alive

eatbreakfast · Jun 14, 2017

The first couple of weeks can be tricky for leopards, as they are sensitibe to the stresses of shipping.

As 4ford mentioned, they are also susceptible to internal parasites.

They can stay buried for a few weeks, but often are up at 'off hours" due to needing to adjust their circadian rhythm.

BigJohnny · Jul 28, 2017

I have 2 in qt, one hid in the sand for 48hrs but now she's out. Whatever you do, don't go digging it out. Let it be and it should come out eventually if healthy.

BigJohnny · Jul 28, 2017

4FordFamily said:
This is a common problem with leopard wrasse. For one, their internal clock has them on very different time zones than we are on in the US (assuming you are in the US).

Also, they tend to hide in the sand for weeks, I had one hide a full month before emerging. Unfortunately, due to internal parasites in large part, they can be difficult fish to get established. Once established, several leopard species prove hardy.

Prazipro and metroplex (the former kills flukes and external worms, the latter kills internal) is a great way to give them a good fighting chance.

They do well with lots of pods present, as some can be difficult to feed. These are difficult/expert level fish that prefer established tanks with sandbeds and more docile tankmates to thrive.

Do you recommend prophylactically treating with prazi and metroplex? I was planning on doing 2 rounds of prazi although I don't see any symptoms so far. I have some metroplex as well if needed. Also, did you use normal strength of prazi with your leopards? What about metro?

Thanks!

4FordFamily · Jul 28, 2017

BigJohnny said:
Do you recommend prophylactically treating with prazi and metroplex? I was planning on doing 2 rounds of prazi although I don't see any symptoms so far. I have some metroplex as well if needed. Also, did you use normal strength of prazi with your leopards? What about metro?

Thanks!

Yes I do recommend using both, and I used them exactly per instructions except I re-dosed prazi after 5-6 days.

BigJohnny · Jul 28, 2017

4FordFamily said:
Yes I do recommend using both, and I used them exactly per instructions except I re-dosed prazi after 5-6 days.

K thanks. How long after finishing prazi to start metro, or can they be dosed simultaneously?

4FordFamily · Jul 28, 2017

BigJohnny said:
K thanks. How long after finishing prazi to start metro, or can they be dosed simultaneously?

I feed metro and focus mixed with thawed and strained frozen food per the instructions instead of in the water column, it will treat internal parasites more effectively which are common in leopards

BigJohnny · Jul 28, 2017

4FordFamily said:
I feed metro and focus mixed with thawed and strained frozen food per the instructions instead of in the water column, it will treat internal parasites more effectively which are common in leopards

K I have focus too. After prazi or during?

4FordFamily · Jul 28, 2017

BigJohnny said:
K I have focus too. After prazi or during?

Since you're feeding it you can do during. I would make sure you have great oxygen exchange -- powerhead breaking surface or bubbler, as meds can reduce the oxygen saturation of the water.

I would also wait until the fish is established at least one week before starting treatment.

BigJohnny · Jul 28, 2017

4FordFamily said:
Since you're feeding it you can do during. I would make sure you have great oxygen exchange -- powerhead breaking surface or bubbler, as meds can reduce the oxygen saturation of the water.

I would also wait until the fish is established at least one week before starting treatment.

K. I have a large sponge filter cranking bubbles and a koralia nano breaking the waters surface so should be sufficient. We're at 5 days right meow so I'll start in a couple. Appreciate the assistance!

iwnltom · Oct 21, 2023

BigJohnny said:
I have 2 in qt, one hid in the sand for 48hrs but now she's out. Whatever you do, don't go digging it out. Let it be and it should come out eventually if healthy.

They hide in the sand ??? Tf! I introduced mine from another guys reef tank who had him for a couple years, the first 2 days he was up and about and was basically the only fish I added that was swimming around happily. Now yesterday he disappeared. I checked my entire room to see if maybe he jumped out, and I just can’t wrap my head around where he could have gone. They bury themselves in the sand ? Could this be a possibility for me ?