Melanarus wrasse flashing / whipping tail

[brett559]

My melanarus wrasse is doing something strange. Today I noticed him start going up to the glass, turn sidewise slightly and then whip his body, stirring up the sand. Sometimes he does it closer to the glass and you can hear his tail hits the glass. This is not done toward any fish, just the glass, i.e himself. He's also flashing his top fins, which I've never really seen before. Is he just going after his reflection?

Is that a normal behavior?

 

[Dmorty217]

He is going after his reflection. Mine flashes and acts stupid in my tank several times a day, especially when the glass is clean. Not sure it will ever stop, going on for 10 months now

 

[brett559]

Thanks for the reply, Dmorty217. Thanks for all your replies! You are usually one of the first to respond, and I appreciate it.

Does it have anything to do with him getting new coloration or anything? These wrasse don't change sex do they?

 

[hogfanreefer]

Yep, my Vrolik's does the same thing.

 

[Dmorty217]

Thanks for the reply, Dmorty217. Thanks for all your replies! You are usually one of the first to respond, and I appreciate it.

Does it have anything to do with him getting new coloration or anything? These wrasse don't change sex do they?

Females will change to male often but usually not the other way around. I haven't ever seen a male turn female but I'm sure it has happened. Happy to try and help, just so happens you post before I look on my phone. I just want to learn so I read a lot of threads. I reply when I have experience or know someone who has experience in the matter. Us saltwater fanatics have to stick together!

 

[eatbreakfast]

He is going after his reflection. Mine flashes and acts stupid in my tank several times a day, especially when the glass is clean. Not sure it will ever stop, going on for 10 months now

Females will change to male often but usually not the other way around. I haven't ever seen a male turn female but I'm sure it has happened. Happy to try and help, just so happens you post before I look on my phone. I just want to learn so I read a lot of threads. I reply when I have experience or know someone who has experience in the matter. Us saltwater fanatics have to stick together!

Agreed with both posts. They do not recognize their reflection as self, so as far as your melanurus is concerned a rival male has invaded his territory and needs to be "intimidated" by displays of flashing to show him who is boss, unfortunately for him they are equally matched size for size and move for move.

 

[Dmorty217]

Eatbreakfast and Evolved are the two resident wrasse experts and would listen to their advise over most all others including my own

 

[brett559]

unfortunately for him they are equally matched size for size and move for move.

Yeah, I don't think he'll win that battle....

Thanks!