HELP! (Wrasses)

[Spork3245]

What you're seeing is in fact "attack mode". You can't release that fish into the tank so long as that behavior is happening (unless you wish to witness a real attack...).

Oh, I fully understand that part. What I'm asking is, will the wrasse in the breeder-box be okay for several days given the size of the box and the size of the wrasse? (I understand that releasing it into the water is a death-sentence and much worse - I'm asking if I should return her though, not release her in the DT)
I'm not okay "torturing" the wrasse by keeping it in such a small box, but if it's only "uncomfortable/annoying" for the wrasse, I'm okay with that as it's hopefully for a short amount of time.
Hope that's clearer.

 

[evolved]

You can put a small piece of PVC inside the box. That will at least give him someplace to hide and ease the stress quite a bit.

 

[Spork3245]

You can put a small piece of PVC inside the box. That will at least give him someplace to hide and ease the stress quite a bit.

The PVC I have keeps floating for whatever reason, is there a certain kind I should be using? I can run to the hardware store for a different kind. I tried both an elbow and a straight pipe, both seem to float.

 

[RDtrack]

Try drilling a couple of holes in it. Should stop it from floating.

 

[smoothdog]

The PVC I have keeps floating for whatever reason, is there a certain kind I should be using? I can run to the hardware store for a different kind. I tried both an elbow and a straight pipe, both seem to float.

Sounds like you are using foam core pvc pipe. Drilling it will do nothing. If you look at the end of the pipe you can usually tell by looking close. There will be a ring of solid PVC on the outside and inside edges.

 

[Spork3245]

Still no signs of the aggression lessening. I've been keeping the lights mostly off except for turning them on during/around feeding time, is this the correct methodology? I put a little bit of food in the breeder for the new wrasse and "she" ate, so I imagine that's a good sign?

 

[evolved]

I've always let the lights go as scheduled, but there's certainly no harm in what you're doing.

Eating is always a good sign. A very stressed fish wouldn't be eating, FWIW.

 

[Spork3245]

So does the aggression slowly subside or does it just disappear "overnight" so-to-speak?
I'm curious as my male wrasse seems to be less interested than he was initially but still occasionally goes over to the breeder box. I don't know if this is a good sign or if it means nothing

 

[eatbreakfast]

The aggression does get less, but there will always be a little showing of dominance, whether it is flashing or chasing a bit, but that is normal as sex and social roles are affected by queues like these.

 

[Spork3245]

The aggression does get less, but there will always be a little showing of dominance, whether it is flashing or chasing a bit, but that is normal as sex and social roles are affected by queues like these.

But if the aggression is always going to be there to some degree, how can I tell when it's "safe" to release the "female"?

 

[albano]

Put it in after lights out, it will give both a chance to chill out.

There may be some chasing tomorrow, but once they figure out which one is the boss and which one is not the subdominant fish will avoid the dominant one.

Not a good idea...don't release the new wrasse into the DT ...
As mentioned on your other thread, you can get a much bigger acclimation box at Petco or similar stores for less than $20... You should be able to leave the fish in the acclimation box for days, to see how/if things work out.

 

[Spork3245]

Not a good idea...don't release the new wrasse into the DT ...
As mentioned on your other thread, you can get a much bigger acclimation box at Petco or similar stores for less than $20... You should be able to leave the fish in the acclimation box for days, to see how/if things work out.

Don't worry, not releasing it till the aggression is down/gone. I couldn't find any acclimation boxes on petco's website, since the closest one is 30 minutes away I don't want to make the trip for nothing. I also tried petsmart's website with no luck.

 

[albano]

I couldn't find any acclimation boxes on petco's website, since the closest one is 30 minutes away I don't want to make the trip for nothing. I also tried petsmart's website with no luck.

Search : critter keeper or small pet keeper

 

[Spork3245]

You're saying to use this? http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=16624556&f=PAD/psNotAvailInUS/No ?
Would that allow enough water to flow through?

 

[albano]

The ones I got at Petco have more 'vents' in the sides... When I feed the tank, food enters the box
http://m.petco.com/product/12264/Petco-Pet-Keeper-for-Reptiles-Amphibians-and-Insects.aspx#

 

[eatbreakfast]

Not a good idea...don't release the new wrasse into the DT ...
As mentioned on your other thread, you can get a much bigger acclimation box at Petco or similar stores for less than $20... You should be able to leave the fish in the acclimation box for days, to see how/if things work out.

There will ALWAYS be a degree of aggression between fairy wrasses of the same species. In many cases it is nothing to worry about.

It does not matter how big of an acclimation box you get, when you release the new fish into the DT the established wrasse WILL chase to show the newbie that he is in charge. That is NORMAL.

As long as the chasing is not relentless and there are adequate hiding places the female should be fine.

 

[Spork3245]

Holy crap, she escaped the breeder box somehow! Thankfully I was in the same room and was able to get her with a net and put her back in the box! The two wrasses were circling each other aggressively, no biting or chasing, (just aggressive circling) but I'm certain a fight was about to occur.
I just put a cover on the breeder to make sure it doesn't happen again (not really sure how she got out in the first place).

The male was being super agressive for a few minutes after putting her back in the box. How long do you guys think this will go on for? Will I ever be able to safely release her into the DT?

 

[evolved]

It could take 7-10 days. If the aggression is still there after that long, it's unlikely to ever go away.

Yes, flashing and some posturing is normal and expected. However, so long as the established male is nipping at the sub-male through the box, I would not release the new guy.

 

[albano]

It does not matter how big of an acclimation box you get, when you release the new fish into the DT the established wrasse WILL chase to show the newbie that he is in charge. That is NORMAL.

You seem to be implying that you have experience with acclimation boxes, but you don't think that they are necessary/useful... ?

 

[MacWilliams]

I have read eatbreakfast's comment a few times now to try and see where you assumed he thought boxes were unnecessary. I dont see it. Seemed like he was only trying to give some insight on how the fish may react once it leaves the box.