Fairy Wrasse vs. Sleeper Goby

[SOGavity]

Until today, my Blue-Sided Fairy Wrasse was a model citizen. She got along with everyone... clowns, fox face, tomini tang, etc. She is also currently the largest fish in my display at about 4".

Today was the day I added a new group of fish. One of those happen to be a young Long-Finned Sleeper Goby. While I also added other small fish like an Orchid Dottyback, Yellow Tail Blenny, and a Yellow Corris Wrasse, my Fairy Wrasse immediately started to torture the goby. Ive never seen a goby actually "swim" around the top of the tank. And while I have a net on top, it does have some holes for cords and such. The last thing I need is for this goby to jump through one of these holes out of fear.

But its only been a few hours. Can anyone tell me if this behaviour is normal for a fairy wrasse? Ive never seen her act this way with any other fish. And if its going to be an issue, who do I remove?

 

[Gareth elliott]

While fairy wrasse are on the peaceful end of wrasses, that is a lot of fish added at once and some that are direct competitors for area of the tank or type of food. Additionally you added another wrasse species, and a dottyback which are rather aggressive, all these fish are going to be spoked and releasing pheromones into the water column effecting the aggression and activities of the other fish.

You could try two actions:
Turn the tank lights off. This minimizes aggression in diurnal species of fish.

Another option is a fish box for the goby where the other fish and taste and see the goby but can’t physically get to it.