Mystery Wrasse aggression

[everythingisaok]

We are having issues adding new fish to our tank. Our mystery wrasse keeps picking on anything we put in. I understand this is normal behavior for a wrasse, but was hoping to get suggestions on how to successfully add a Diamond Goby. Any tips would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[buddyro]

I'll buy him!!! j/k,but serious I would...lol
What I have done in the past was... remove the wrasse,place in your sump or safe tank for 2-3 weeks while you swap your rock around and add any new fish,once all new fish are settled in... Then add wrasse back into tank...

 

[ralph atl]

That particular wrasse is very aggressive, duh!

 

[ripped tide]

There may not be much you CAN do. Removal would be the only option.

Mystery and sixline wrasse can be a great fish, but that is not always the case. You will have best luck with either of those fish if you add them last. What size tank? Larger tanks allow for more territories. In closed quarters, you'll likely run into territorial issues.

 

[dawgface]

<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">Some claim posting pictures of the intended new addition to the glass of the tank. Although I have never found this to be very effective.</span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana"></span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">I've found that a clear properly sized in tank acclimation box is second to none.</span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana"></span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">IME most immediate aggression is nothing more than tank posturing for dominance. Once the two have worked out whose boss the aggression usually subsides. Which is why I believe the acclimation box or chamber is the most effective answer. </span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana"></span></span>
<span style="color: black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">Note, If aggression continues longer than a day or two that should be your sign that one needs to go.</span></span>

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

You may want to ask JennM. She will probably answer here if she isn't "locked up" [lol]for a charity event that if they have caught her, I think she probably at least has access to a smart phone, if not maybe her one phone call will be to post a response here.

 

[dine]

I have had very good success leaving a mirror up against the glass for a couple days. In my case, a tang, battled himself until he was too tired to chase anything else. That combined with long periods of lights out and my tank always calms down after a few days

 

[dawgface]

Dine;766003 wrote: I have had very good success leaving a mirror up against the glass for a couple days. In my case, a tang, battled himself until he was too tired to chase anything else. That combined with long periods of lights out and my tank always calms down after a few days

I would assume that the mirror and the new fish addition took place simultaneously? Good idea. Kinda like a bait and switch.

 

[dine]

Exactly. I set the mirror up while I acclimate the new addition. By the time I'm ready to introduce the new fish my tang has tired himself out or is so focused on the mirror that the new fish has time to hide. I leave the mirror up a few days allowing the new fish to come out and explore. After a few days everyone is comfortable and I remove the mirror. I would always suggest adding new additions at lights out also.

 

[dine]

I picked this tip up through another member on here. Some of the best advice I've ever received on here. Good luck with your new addition

 

[everythingisaok]

Thank you for your responses. We actually just added this wrasse a few days ago along with the goby. They were to be the last fish in. However, the goby found a small enough hole in our lid to jump out and when we tried to add another, the wrasse wasn't having it. We will try the mirror tip and add when the lights are down. Sounds like it just may work. Thank you all again.

 

[dawgface]

In that case I would install the mirror before the lights go out or atleast make sure he has sighted the mirror before you throw the new fish in.

 

[everythingisaok]

DawgFace, how does the in tank acclimation box work? Forgive my ignorance.

 

[dawgface]

Some places sell them for primo $, they are basically acrylic boxes with holes that are placed in the tank for this very purpose.

I on the other hand use a hamster/rodent ball, the ball that hamsters run around trapt in your livingroom... Buy them at any PetCo/PetSmart.

Place that snug in between rocks or put a rock inside so it doesn't move around and bump into crap.

Keeps your new occupant safe and allows the would be bullies to get over themselves before you release.

Works flawlessly!

Edit: Here's a picture of one.

 

[dine]

DawgFace;766034 wrote: In that case I would install the mirror before the lights go out or atleast make sure he has sighted the mirror before you throw the new fish in.

yup thats the trick.

 

[ripped tide]

If I was you, I would try putting the mirror up before you buy the goby. Make sure he is going to fall for that trick. Tangs are one of the "less smart" fish, and usually fall for that trick, but wrasses are smart and persistent. If they don't like a fish, they usually don't stop being a bully until it is too late.

 

[everythingisaok]

Wow, that is awesome. I will have to look into that, thank you for the tip, Dawg! We've dealt with aggression before, but the aggression combined with the jumping is just beyond me. Even with the lid, the crazy fish managed to find a ventilation hole! Frustrating at best! Thank you again for all the tips everyone!

 

[silver surfer]

I have used the critter cage option several times. Started with Achilles tang then added a purple tang with using the cage. Then added a mimic tang, then chevron tang. All tangs get along and no ich out breaks. The box is the best option in my mind.

Keep the new fish in the box for 2-3 days and then let him go. See the pic below
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