Aggression between Sub-male McCosker's Flasher Wrasses?

[GroktheCube]

I put a M/F pair of McCosker's in my tank about 6 months ago. The female turned sub-male about a month later, but there haven't been any major issues.

I purchased a "female trio" from DD a few weeks ago, and in QT, it became clear one of the thfee was really a sub male. I currently have all three inside an acclimation box in my DT, and everything seems ok between them and the super-male, but the existing sub-male and the new sub-male HATE each other. At first, it was just some flashing, but now the two are constantly at the walls of the acclimation box, biting trying to get to each other.

Today is day 3, and it seems to get worse with each passing day. Should I consider giving the new sub-male to my girlfriend, or should I expect things to calm down?

 

[eatbreakfast]

How big is the tank? If it is 50g or larger you should be fine, just let them out of the acclimation box as it is doing more harm than good as the less dominant one has nowhere to escape. The aggressor doesnt like that the submissive wrasse isnt getting out of its territory.

 

[GroktheCube]

It's a 120.

Neither is submitting. They are both displaying aggression towards one another, and apparently trying to attack each other through the walls of the acclimation box, which is why I am concerned.

Should I still let them out, and just assume that they'll work things out when there aren't any artificial walls in the way?

My super-male doesn't really like the current sub-male flashing and displaying at the new sub-male, he'll come over and flash to chase him off if he gets too excited, maybe that would naturally help mediate excessive aggression.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Getting a chance to sort it out will help. One will win one will lose and they will set up a heirarchy. Your existing male will be the boss. It should take a day or two to sort it out.

 

[GroktheCube]

Alright, thanks!

 

[evolved]

Neither is submitting. They are both displaying aggression towards one another, and apparently trying to attack each other through the walls of the acclimation box, which is why I am concerned.

And rightfully so.
This is the perfect example of why using an acclimation box can catch issues before they're an issue!

Should I still let them out, and just assume that they'll work things out when there aren't any artificial walls in the way?

IME, not likely. When things are as bad as you describe, there's little hope it will change. Sure, give it a few more days, but have a contingency plan for the sub-male in the box if nothing changes. If the behavior doesn't change after 6-7 days, waiting any longer may be moot.

 

[GroktheCube]

And rightfully so.
This is the perfect example of why using an acclimation box can catch issues before they're an issue!


IME, not likely. When things are as bad as you describe, there's little hope it will change. Sure, give it a few more days, but have a contingency plan for the sub-male in the box if nothing changes. If the behavior doesn't change after 6-7 days, waiting any longer may be moot.

Things seem a bit calmer today. I'm at home all day because of this snow, so I'll be able to keep an eye out. If all seems well, I'll let them out a couple hours before lights out, but I don't want to take any needless, because catching a little wrasses in a 120g tank filled with rocks and hiding places isn't too high up on my to-do list. It's clear these guys both want to be next in line behind the big super-male wrasses, and I don't want either of them killed or injured over it.

My GF has a small group of compatible fishes in QT that will be going into her 65 in a few weeks. IF these two can't get things sorted out sans blood shed, the new sub-male would be going over there.

I am VERY glad I heeded people's advice and used an acclimation box, because I'm pretty sure the smaller sub-male would be dead by now if I hadn't.

 

[GroktheCube]

By this evening, the new sub-male was consistently submitting when the old one came up to the box.

I opened the box up and let them swim out about an hour and a half before lights out. All went well. There was some dancing and flashing here and there, but it was a fairly peaceable kingdom.

 

[evolved]

Sometimes it does stop; glad to hear that was your experience!

 

[eatbreakfast]

By this evening, the new sub-male was consistently submitting when the old one came up to the box.

I opened the box up and let them swim out about an hour and a half before lights out. All went well. There was some dancing and flashing here and there, but it was a fairly peaceable kingdom.

This has always been my experience, with flashers.

 

[aquaph8]

I've found it hit or miss and it always depends on the new fishes personality. They either hold their own and find their place in the group or go completely chicken and hide until their ultimate death.

 

[GroktheCube]

It seems to be going well today. The super male is a bit hesitant to let the new sub male into "his" half of the tank, so there's some chasing here or there, but never for more than a second or two and no injuries.