Wrasse missing upper lip

[bulldogniner]

Hi all,

I added a yellow virus wrasse about 4 weeks ago. He was healthy and eating when I purchased him. He stayed buried in the sand for about 2 weeks before I started seeing him coming out regularly. Now he is active all day with the rest of my fish.

With that said, I noticed his upper lip is missing. This was not like that when purchased so I am not sure what the cause is. He is eating and acting normal and I’ve read it is possible to heal. Have a look and tell me what you think.

 

[Patientman]

Hmm … notice any hostilities from other tankmates? I'm thinking that maybe it damaged it's mouth while digging in the substrate … tried too hard to relocate a piece of rubble rock. Acting/easting normal is always a good sign! Would be nice if it grows back (hoping for that)… otherwise it has a tale to tell the other fish of how it happened!

 

[bulldogniner]

Nope. No hostilities. From what I’ve read the lower lip/jaw is worse but either way I feel for the guy!

I’ve see other fish I’ve had over the years get their fins nipped and they have grown back fairly quickly. Not sure if the mouth will do the same?