The leopard wrasse that disappeared

[Blue Meg]

I bought a leopard wrasse from the lfs a couple of weeks ago. I put it in my observation box in the tank for a few hours and it seemed fine. When I let it out it disappeared and has not been seen since.

Any suggestions on temperamental fish? I was thinking of buying another one at the lfs and having them keep it for a week before I pick it up.

 

[Hazmat312]

Following.
I had the same exact thing happen to me. I put him in the tank and he went right into the sand.. A few days later he was dead. Idk why or how this happened.

 

[4FordFamily]

This is a common problem with leopard wrasse. For one, their internal clock has them on very different time zones than we are on in the US (assuming you are in the US).

Also, they tend to hide in the sand for weeks, I had one hide a full month before emerging. Unfortunately, due to internal parasites in large part, they can be difficult fish to get established. Once established, several leopard species prove hardy.

Prazipro and metroplex (the former kills flukes and external worms, the latter kills internal) is a great way to give them a good fighting chance.

They do well with lots of pods present, as some can be difficult to feed. These are difficult/expert level fish that prefer established tanks with sandbeds and more docile tankmates to thrive.

 

[Salty1962]

Give it some time. It will come out when it gets hungry if it's not sick.

 

[Reefpro]

I keep all my san burrowers in an acclimation box. With 3" sand for a couple weeks before releasing to ensure they are eating and not getting picked on. This has worked well for leopards. I have a totsl of 6 only lost one and it did not arrive in the bag well do i chalk it up to that. Goid luck hope he is alive

 

[eatbreakfast]

The first couple of weeks can be tricky for leopards, as they are sensitibe to the stresses of shipping.

As 4ford mentioned, they are also susceptible to internal parasites.

They can stay buried for a few weeks, but often are up at 'off hours" due to needing to adjust their circadian rhythm.

 

[BigJohnny]

I have 2 in qt, one hid in the sand for 48hrs but now she's out. Whatever you do, don't go digging it out. Let it be and it should come out eventually if healthy.

 

[BigJohnny]

This is a common problem with leopard wrasse. For one, their internal clock has them on very different time zones than we are on in the US (assuming you are in the US).

Also, they tend to hide in the sand for weeks, I had one hide a full month before emerging. Unfortunately, due to internal parasites in large part, they can be difficult fish to get established. Once established, several leopard species prove hardy.

Prazipro and metroplex (the former kills flukes and external worms, the latter kills internal) is a great way to give them a good fighting chance.

They do well with lots of pods present, as some can be difficult to feed. These are difficult/expert level fish that prefer established tanks with sandbeds and more docile tankmates to thrive.

Do you recommend prophylactically treating with prazi and metroplex? I was planning on doing 2 rounds of prazi although I don't see any symptoms so far. I have some metroplex as well if needed. Also, did you use normal strength of prazi with your leopards? What about metro?

Thanks!

 

[4FordFamily]

Do you recommend prophylactically treating with prazi and metroplex? I was planning on doing 2 rounds of prazi although I don't see any symptoms so far. I have some metroplex as well if needed. Also, did you use normal strength of prazi with your leopards? What about metro?

Thanks!

Yes I do recommend using both, and I used them exactly per instructions except I re-dosed prazi after 5-6 days.

 

[BigJohnny]

Yes I do recommend using both, and I used them exactly per instructions except I re-dosed prazi after 5-6 days.

K thanks. How long after finishing prazi to start metro, or can they be dosed simultaneously?

 

[4FordFamily]

K thanks. How long after finishing prazi to start metro, or can they be dosed simultaneously?

I feed metro and focus mixed with thawed and strained frozen food per the instructions instead of in the water column, it will treat internal parasites more effectively which are common in leopards :)

 

[BigJohnny]

I feed metro and focus mixed with thawed and strained frozen food per the instructions instead of in the water column, it will treat internal parasites more effectively which are common in leopards :)

K I have focus too. After prazi or during?

 

[4FordFamily]

K I have focus too. After prazi or during?

Since you're feeding it you can do during. I would make sure you have great oxygen exchange -- powerhead breaking surface or bubbler, as meds can reduce the oxygen saturation of the water.

I would also wait until the fish is established at least one week before starting treatment.

 

[BigJohnny]

Since you're feeding it you can do during. I would make sure you have great oxygen exchange -- powerhead breaking surface or bubbler, as meds can reduce the oxygen saturation of the water.

I would also wait until the fish is established at least one week before starting treatment.

K. I have a large sponge filter cranking bubbles and a koralia nano breaking the waters surface so should be sufficient. We're at 5 days right meow so I'll start in a couple. Appreciate the assistance!

 

[iwnltom]

I have 2 in qt, one hid in the sand for 48hrs but now she's out. Whatever you do, don't go digging it out. Let it be and it should come out eventually if healthy.

They hide in the sand ??? Tf! I introduced mine from another guys reef tank who had him for a couple years, the first 2 days he was up and about and was basically the only fish I added that was swimming around happily. Now yesterday he disappeared. I checked my entire room to see if maybe he jumped out, and I just can’t wrap my head around where he could have gone. They bury themselves in the sand ? Could this be a possibility for me ?

 

[MIKE NY]

As mentioned they can stayed buried for long periods of time. She stayed buried for five days when she was first put in the DT…

 

[OrionN]

Hopefully she can feed on fauna when she come out, or you are able to see her and feed her. If your

tank has adequate amount of fauna for her to eat, she will be fine. She will eventually acclimated to eating tank food.