Need Melanurus Wrasse Help

[rmcrom]

I have tried on two separate occasions to add a melanurus wrasse to my tank and both times the fish didn't survive the first night. I mail ordered them and they both seemed in good shape when they arrived. I used a glass container to do drip acclimation with tank water and the fish seemed active and well. I move the fish to the tank and it swims around for a few minutes checking things out before going into the sand. The next morning, the fish is dead. Are these fish fragile for shipping? Is there a better way I should be handling the fish? I would really like to have one of these fish.

 

[blaxsun]

Drip acclimation is definitely the way to go. I don't know how thick your sandbed is or how large the melanarus wrasse were, but they do like about 1.5-2" of sand in spots. Like other wrasse that bury, they can sometimes be hit and miss in terms of survival (I've also had several wrasse, ie: leopard, blue star leopard) that went straight into the sand never to return as well. It really truly sucks and I feel your pain. The only other thing I could suggest is to wrap some seaweed (I like TLF SeaVeggies) on a rock with a rubberband while you're acclimating him, and make sure he has some seaweed on a rock in the tank as well. That way you can at least ensure he's eating or has something to eat. Best of luck!