Leopard wrasse

45ZoaGarden · Jan 27, 2020

Good morning fellow reefers! Yesterday I went to the lfs and picked up a leopard wrasse on a super special at a price I couldn’t resist. It was only $16 and eating mysis so I figured why not. I acclimated and put it into the tank last night. It sat above the sand bed before burying itself. About how long should I wait on the guy to come out? I’m aware that it’s a new fish and will probably hide for a few days but how long did you guys have to wait? I also threw a lawnmower blenny in there last night (who also eats mysis) and he’s already out and about. Any input appreciated :)

Millimylilly · Jan 27, 2020

Omg u didn’t QT? What’s wrong with you??? Haha just kidding... I do the same. What a great score though for 16 bucks! It should come out when it’s hungry and as long as nothing is scaring it or showing aggression, should be fine!

45ZoaGarden · Jan 27, 2020

What is qt? ;Hilarious Lol my lfs has me covered. They qt their fish and treat with copper, as well as treat for parasites before they even go up for sale.

Millimylilly said:
Omg u didn’t QT? What’s wrong with you??? Haha just kidding... I do the same. What a great score though for 16 bucks! It should come out when it’s hungry and as long as nothing is scaring it or showing aggression, should be fine!

Jesterrace · Jan 27, 2020

45ZoaGarden said:
Good morning fellow reefers! Yesterday I went to the lfs and picked up a leopard wrasse on a super special at a price I couldn’t resist. It was only $16 and eating mysis so I figured why not. I acclimated and put it into the tank last night. It sat above the sand bed before burying itself. About how long should I wait on the guy to come out? I’m aware that it’s a new fish and will probably hide for a few days but how long did you guys have to wait? I also threw a lawnmower blenny in there last night (who also eats mysis) and he’s already out and about. Any input appreciated :)

They can hide for up to several weeks or it could just be a day or two. Just keep an eye out for it and as long as it's healthy it will pop up again and after that it should form a pretty regular schedule (my Blue Star Leopard Wrasse did).

45ZoaGarden · Jan 27, 2020

Jesterrace said:
They can hide for up to several weeks or it could just be a day or two. Just keep an eye out for it and as long as it's healthy it will pop up again and after that it should form a pretty regular schedule (my Blue Star Leopard Wrasse did).

It was pretty healthy and active at the lfs. It was pretty chunky as well :)

ca1ore · Jan 27, 2020

Usually a leopard wrasse will emerge after a day or two. Could be longer though. What species is it?

Aetius · Jan 27, 2020

Mine came out after 3 weeks, but I suspect the reason was being bullied by a six line (who had to go eventually).

45ZoaGarden · Jan 27, 2020

ca1ore said:
Usually a leopard wrasse will emerge after a day or two. Could be longer though. What species is it?

Not gonna lie, I’m not sure. It could be a divided. It had some hints of blue. It was mostly orange with the black lines. It looked just like this one :)

45ZoaGarden · Jan 27, 2020

Either way, it’s a pretty fish ;)

SCReef'n · Jan 27, 2020

The pictured fish is M. Meleagris. Should be out and about in a day or so. Good luck once established they are great fish

ca1ore · Jan 27, 2020

Meleagris is the most common, and among the easier, so probably that.

Katrina71 · Jan 27, 2020

Wish list fish for me! Congrats!

45ZoaGarden · Jan 27, 2020

Katrina71 said:
Wish list fish for me! Congrats!

I’ve been eye balling them for awhile too. When I saw the super sale, I couldn’t help myself.

Katrina71 · Jan 27, 2020

45ZoaGarden said:
I’ve been eye balling them for awhile too. When I saw the super sale, I couldn’t help myself.

I would have snatched it up too.

jaghorireefs&mma · Jan 27, 2020

Mine was just like that give it a few days

shookONES · Jan 28, 2020

Picked up a vermiculate leopard on Sunday. I saw her bouncing around the tank for an hour or two upon introduction, but has been MIA since. Hopefully she pops up again in the next few days.

ajhudson15 · Jan 28, 2020

just don't go poking around the sand trying to force him out as you could injure him. they have been known to hide for weeks at a time.

45ZoaGarden · Jan 28, 2020

ajhudson15 said:
just don't go poking around the sand trying to force him out as you could injure him. they have been known to hide for weeks at a time.

Haha yeah, it’s not me that’s the problem. I’m surprised my diamond goby hasn’t dug him up yet LOL

destro · Jan 28, 2020

Same boat here. I introduced my blue star leopard wrasse (female) to the display tank on Friday, January 17th. She went into hiding immediately.

Day 5 - I was certain she was trapped dead under sand and rock. Made no appearance.
Day 6 - early in the morning, to my surprise she was pacing the tank! Biggest relief.
Day 7 - went back into hiding.
Fast Forward
Today - No sign of her. Almost certain she is trapped dead under sand and rock.

She must be starving! ;Rage

45ZoaGarden · Jan 28, 2020

destro said:
Same boat here. I introduced my blue star leopard wrasse (female) to the display tank on Friday, January 17th. She went into hiding immediately.

Day 5 - I was certain she was trapped dead under sand and rock. Made no appearance.
Day 6 - early in the morning, to my surprise she was pacing the tank! Biggest relief.
Day 7 - went back into hiding.
Fast Forward
Today - No sign of her. Almost certain she is trapped dead under sand and rock.

She must be starving! ;Rage

She probably came out and had a feast so she could hide longer ;Hilarious