Can you rehab a fish?

[SteveWong]

I have a six line wrasse which was great in the mixed reef tank -- it grew nice and plump and was an active swimmer. It's been in the tank for about 2 years or so.

Recently, I added a Royal Gramma and a mandarin fish. The six-line immediately attacked both of them, and went on an active hunt for both of them, damaging fins etc. The newcomers spent a lot of time hiding.

I trapped the wrasse and have put him into the quarantine tank.

My question: if I leave the wrasse in the other tank for a few weeks then reintroduce him to the main tank, will he have forgotten the home and act like a newcomer thus not attack other fish? Has anyone had success with this?

 

[Mr. Bill]

Success with that is spotty at best, and usually short-lived, as well. Aggression is a part of the fish's nature. The only sure-fire remedy is to follow the age-old recommendation of keeping aggressive species with similar-size, equally aggressive species.

 

[humaguy]

6-lines are notoriously aggressive...
dont think either of the others stand a chance against it...

how big is the tank?

 

[sponger0]

This is typical for a 6 line. It is recommended if they are doing fine, not to add more fish. So I would say take the fish back you just got or get rid of the 6 line. My vote is get rid of the 6 line.

 

[SteveWong]

Thanks for the replies. The tank is a 155 gal bowfront, but given the aggression, I think he'll have to go to the fish store!

 

[reeferstace]

It is never a good idea to add a mandarin to a tank housing a six-line wrasse. Your fish deserve better. Please don't mix them.