Wrasse aggression

redwingrob40 · May 10, 2014

Hi,

So I just got some new wrasse yesterday and have them in a 55 for observation. Got a lineatus, rhomboid and flame. Neither the flame or rhomboid pay to much attention to the lineatus, as he is about twice their size. However the rhomboid is chasing the flame pretty good. Is this normal behavior and should I separate them or give them some time to work it out? The flame and rhomboid are about the same size at about. 2.5" the lineatus is prolly close to 4 and just ignores everyone else. I can post some video later if that would help. Thanks!

Newb_reefer1 · May 10, 2014

I would watch them very closely since they are all new to your tank it is expected there would become territory dispute but it should stop after a little while. If it does not however I would advise to separate the rhomboid from the flame, if you do a google search there are many ways you can do this ie using eggcrate to section off a portion of the tank, just watch them carefully to make sure it isn't stressing your flame out too much if iris take precautionary measures

Mike&Terry · May 10, 2014

A little chasing is not abnormal. If the Rhomboid is biting and causing damage to the Flame, then they definitely should be separated either by use of an acclimation box/breeder box or a partition. A 1/2" egg crate partition on it's own will not work in this case as those wrasses can easily pass thru that size grate. An option would be to cover one side of the egg crate with 1/4 mesh screening using zip ties (I use this in my QT when necessary).

ingtar_shinowa · May 10, 2014

Mike&Terry said:
A little chasing is not abnormal. If the Rhomboid is biting and causing damage to the Flame, then they definitely should be separated either by use of an acclimation box/breeder box or a partition. A 1/2" egg crate partition on it's own will not work in this case as those wrasses can easily pass thru that size grate. An option would be to cover one side of the egg crate with 1/4 mesh screening using zip ties (I use this in my QT when necessary).

^^ + a gazillion

redwingrob40 · May 10, 2014

Thanks for the responses everyone all good options! I have an acclimation box, eggcrate and a cycled 20 long so all those are options. Will keep an eye and separate if necessary, there is no damage so far that I can tell so I'll just continue to monitor things.