Wrasse Survival

[67chevellemalibu2]

I was just wondering how can wrasses bury themselves in the sand for days, maybe weeks on end and survive without eating, but other fish wither away after only a few days without eating and die.

 

[saltyhog]

Most fish that are in good physical condition (and nutrition) can go a lot longer than a few days without food. If they succumb that quickly there was something else involved, not malnourishment. I have gone 10 days without my fish being fed while on vacation (not optimal, granted) without any untoward effects.

I suspect disease is more the issue in this case and wrasses may survive longer because of their sand sleeping/thick mucous secretion.

 

[Jesterrace]

I also believe it's possible that they go into a sort of hibernation phase when sleeping in the sand for a week or more. Technically they aren't expending much energy when they are buried and "sleeping" in the sand.

 

[Gablami]

Yup, unhealthy fish including wrasses can die quickly with or without food. A healthy wrasse that hides when stress or acclimating to a new tank is different, just as a healthy fish can potentially go a long while without eating and be just fine.

 

[ca1ore]

I’d say the answer was self explanatory LOL. Wrasse buried in the sand isn’t expending energy with things like swimming and skirmishes with other fish. Sort of like me on the couch on Sundays warching the NFL - less energy = less meals!

 

[ca1ore]

Most fish that are in good physical condition (and nutrition) can go a lot longer than a few days without food. If they succumb that quickly there was something else involved, not malnourishment. I have gone 10 days without my fish being fed while on vacation (not optimal, granted) without any untoward effects.

Entirely agree!