6 line wrasse bully question

[crossroads of sanity]

Hey everyone,

I picked up a six line from my LFS a couple weeks ago. I added him to my tank 40 breeder with my two young clownfish last week. I have not physically seen any aggression towards the clownfish from him. But tonight while feeding I noticed that the mocha clownfish (smaller of the clownfish) has some fin nips. My LFS warned me that he could be aggressive towards any fish added after him, but that he should be fine with the clownfish because they are already established. I only planned on 3-4 smaller fish in the 40 gallon because I want to be very cautious about bio load. So my plan was that he would be the last addition. However if he is being aggressive he will be coming out and going back to the LFS. I’m hoping for opinions on whether he is possibly being aggressive? And if so, he is a sly little guy and stays in the crevices of the rock work. How would I catch him safely?
Thanks in advance
Joe

 

[Slocke]

Hey everyone,

I picked up a six line from my LFS a couple weeks ago. I added him to my tank 40 breeder with my two young clownfish last week. I have not physically seen any aggression towards the clownfish from him. But tonight while feeding I noticed that the mocha clownfish (smaller of the clownfish) has some fin nips. My LFS warned me that he could be aggressive towards any fish added after him, but that he should be fine with the clownfish because they are already established. I only planned on 3-4 smaller fish in the 40 gallon because I want to be very cautious about bio load. So my plan was that he would be the last addition. However if he is being aggressive he will be coming out and going back to the LFS. I’m hoping for opinions on whether he is possibly being aggressive? And if so, he is a sly little guy and stays in the crevices of the rock work. How would I catch him safely?
Thanks in advance
Joe

They can be monsters I’d always suggest a small halichoeres instead or a pink streak if bare bottomed.
Get a trap. Wrasse are usually quite inquisitive and food motivated.

 

[crossroads of sanity]

So are you thinking he is probably the culprit?

 

[Slocke]

So are you thinking he is probably the culprit?

Can’t be sure but they have a reputation for being little assassins

 

[crossroads of sanity]

Okay. I may go up to my LFS tomorrow and see about trading him in. Thanks!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I'd look at the larger clown too... often the female will beat up on the male

 

[crossroads of sanity]

I'd look at the larger clown too... often the female will beat up on the male

I did. I spent the morning watching the tank closely. The six line was keeping them apart and in hiding. He also had killed one of my emerald crabs and was harassing my cleaner shrimp. I called my LFS and they gave me a store credit for him. He will be going in their 265 FOWLER display with plenty of fish that are larger than he is. I used the store credit and a little cash to purchase a mandarin. Once the little chubster gets through quarantine I think it’ll be a great addition to the system. He was eating pods within minutes of entering the QT system. Catching the wrasse was a nightmare though, however it gave me the excuse to make some of the scape changes I’ve been putting off. I’m overly happy with the scape now.

 

[crossroads of sanity]

Oh and immediately after the wrasse was gone the clownfish were right back to their usual routine of doing everything attached at the fin.

 

[Miami Reef]

Six line wrasses are a very aggressive fish. They can be terrors in even the largest of tanks. There are many anecdotes of their infamous reputation.

 

[AustinBabler]

I'd look at the larger clown too... often the female will beat up on the male

Yes I’d double check that. Sit and observe. Depending on how long you’ve had the clowns the bigger one might be going through…..changes.

 

[Kasrift]

Can’t be sure but they have a reputation for being little assassins

That is true, but female clowns can harass the male. Especially if you have two young small clowns as you stated, then one will be transitioning to female and trying to establish dominance. I had the same thing with my clown pair and it was really noticeable because I have a longfin clown. It worked out and no issues for the last year and a half.

 

[crossroads of sanity]

I will keep a close eye on them. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions. I’ve had these two for a couple months and they have always gotten along. However the female has started outgrowing the male over the last few weeks by a decent amount.

 

[Lavey29]

My 6 line is an angel

 

[CoralB]

So are you thinking he is probably the culprit?

I think it a high probability with my experience