6 Line Wrasse Problems

[jjrambo124]

Hi all,
So I’ve had this 40b for about 8 months. I have 2 clowns, dwarf angel, Royal gramma, springers damsel, and a 6 line wrasse. I added them all by aggression 7 months ago. Since then I’ve had no problems everyone has been acting very well and growing fast….until 2 days ago.

My 6 line has been harassing the rg nonstop chasing him all over. If the gramma so much as pokes his head out the wrasse confronts him. Luckily the RG is still eating, but I’ve noticed his right fin is completely torn and is missing a large chunk of his rear fin. Will this stop? Should I remove the 6 line? What would you do??

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

The RG is like a lamb among wolves with those fish.... I would rehome the RG to a peaceful tank

 

[jjrambo124]

The RG is like a lamb among wolves with those fish.... I would rehome the RG to a peaceful tank

Really? The clowns and angel don’t even acknowledge his existence and the damsel keeps to himself(I know that sounds weird but he’s a springers and was raised in a community tank with the gramma).

 

[exnisstech]

I don't think 6 lines do well in smaller tank with other small fish. I keep 2 one in a 330g and another in a 65g. In the 65g there are only 4 fish and the 6 line is the smallest. I have zero aggression from either .

 

[Tahoe61]

I have never had a 6 line in a smaller tank not be aggressive. Once the aggression starts you might be able to curb the aggression for short periods of time.
The stress of the 6 line posturing is enough to kill a RG imo.

 

[Tamberav]

I would remove the sixline, even if you remove the gramma, the sixline may then decide to find a new victim.

 

[fish_collector]

Six line wrasses, as pretty and utilitarian as they may seem, are the devil and you'll never have peace while it is in the tank. I had one do the same thing in my tank, I was relieved when I discovered he had gone carpet surfing one night :smiling-face-with-halo:

 

[exnisstech]

Six line wrasses, as pretty and utilitarian as they may seem, are the devil and you'll never have peace while it is in the tank. I had one do the same thing in my tank, I was relieved when I discovered he had gone carpet surfing one night :smiling-face-with-halo:

It's easy having a peaceful tank with a sixline but you have to provide a large enough tank with the right inhabitants. People think because they are small and cute they will be fine in a smaller tank which as we know is not true. I kept one for several years peacefully before loosing it and I currently have two that show zero aggression. I think it's the same with most fish, they just need a setting suitable for them. The sixlines usually get judged by their size which is small fish with large attitude .

 

[areefer01]

It's easy having a peaceful tank with a sixline but you have to provide a large enough tank with the right inhabitants. People think because they are small and cute they will be fine in a smaller tank which as we know is not true. I kept one for several years peacefully before loosing it and I currently have two and that show zero aggression. I think it's the same with most fish, they just need a setting suitable for them. The sixlines usually get judged by their size which is small fish with large attitude .

Onus is always on the hobbyist to provide a proper environment for the animal they want to keep be it fish or coral. Your note about providing is spot on.

My 6 line has been harassing the rg nonstop chasing him all over. If the gramma so much as pokes his head out the wrasse confronts him. Luckily the RG is still eating, but I’ve noticed his right fin is completely torn and is missing a large chunk of his rear fin. Will this stop? Should I remove the 6 line? What would you do??

It is a 40 breeder. Catch the wrasse and rehome. LFS should pick it up for their frag systems or resell to a hobbyist.

Use a trap if you have one. If you don't, and you should, then buy one. If that fails find its sleeping area and get it at night.

 

[fish_collector]

Sixlines are good fish, until they aren’t.

 

[jjrambo124]

Update: I was able to catch the six line and return him. RG survived and is looking fat and happy as ever. THank you all for your help!

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I would remove the sixline, even if you remove the gramma, the sixline may then decide to find a new victim.

I agree! As many here have said, they do not do well in smaller tanks. I have one in a 90 gallon and he is a model citizen. But he is also the smallest fish in there.

 

[ReefGrammie]

Update: I was able to catch the six line and return him. RG survived and is looking fat and happy as ever. THank you all for your help!

I'm glad it all worked out!

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I'm glad it all worked out!

WOW! Catching a six line is impressive! How did you do it?