Flame wrasse getting picked on - 10g w/ hawkfish ok?

[Spar]

I recently added a trio of Flame Wrasse (1 male, 2 female) to my 450g. they all 3 went through QT together fine in a 20g long tank. 4 weeks.

ever since putting in the 450g, one of the females has been picking on the other female to the point where she is showing abrasions and is looking quite stressed.

what is my best option here long-term?

and in the short-term if I get to thinking she won't make it at the current state of agression (maybe this is temporary?), could I put her in a 10g that I currently have running for QT'ing a pair of Longnose Hawkfish? Mainly wanting to make sure the Hawkfish won't pick on her, obviously.

The female wrasses are only 1.5"-2" each long. Hawkfish are 2"-2.5".

 

[evolved]

If aggression has degraded to the point of causing damage, it is time to take action.

The 10g might work as a temporary home, but I would seek something bigger for a permanent home.

 

[Spar]

I removed the aggressor. I will just keep her in the 10g long enough for the other one to heal up and get confidence back. Think it may work out to put the aggressor back in the 450g down the road, or is it a lost cause and I should sell her? Once an aggressor always an aggressor?

 

[evolved]

Once an aggressor always an aggressor?

Typically yes, in my experience.

 

[Spar]

just an update for anyone searching later. i separated the females for about 2 weeks and then tried again. they have been buddies ever since. so a little time apart did them well. i imagine part of it was just allowing time for the abused female to get her strength back.