Mystery wrasse wont swallow

[PirateToast]

I have a mystery wrasse who just wont swallow food and is looking extremely gaunt. He has been in the tank for a couple months but im getting worried. I had one in the past that was fat and happy. I do notice he gets bullied a little bit by a flame angel (who has been in there almost as long).

Any suggestions?

 

[gobolts23]

I would separate him from the flame angel. He is probably living in fear which is resulting in him not eating.

 

[PirateToast]

Well, yesterday around 12 I tried to separate him but couldn't catch him. I came back that night and completely re-aquascaped to help with GHA (took out all rocks, took out all fish, replaced all rocks, replaced all fish). However, I couldn't find the mystery wrasse anywhere... I combed through the sand pretty good (found the yellow coris no problem).

My guess is dead... weird I didn't find a body though in just a few hours.

My question is this... I love mystery wrasses. This guy was a pretty small one, he was bullied, but I thought it was just posturing that would ease up. The flame angel isn't that big, actually a little small. If I picked up a larger mystery wrasse, am I still going to have the same problem?

They're supposed to be compatible dangit!

 

[anbosu]

You might have the opposite problem. Acclimation boxes are great for situations like this.

 

[sc50964]

Well, yesterday around 12 I tried to separate him but couldn't catch him. I came back that night and completely re-aquascaped to help with GHA (took out all rocks, took out all fish, replaced all rocks, replaced all fish). However, I couldn't find the mystery wrasse anywhere... I combed through the sand pretty good (found the yellow coris no problem).

My guess is dead... weird I didn't find a body though in just a few hours.

My question is this... I love mystery wrasses. This guy was a pretty small one, he was bullied, but I thought it was just posturing that would ease up. The flame angel isn't that big, actually a little small. If I picked up a larger mystery wrasse, am I still going to have the same problem?

They're supposed to be compatible dangit!

They don't hide in sand, but in rocks instead. Give it a few days. Hope it's still there and it just needs a little time to calm down.

 

[PirateToast]

They don't hide in sand, but in rocks instead. Give it a few days. Hope it's still there and it just needs a little time to calm down.

I dont think its hiding... I think it buried itself in the sand to die. Or was devoured by cleanup crew in just a few hours? He was 100% not in rocks. I dont see him in the plumbing either.

 

[PirateToast]

You might have the opposite problem. Acclimation boxes are great for situations like this.

To separate them? I have a breeder net which could help... But its too hard to catch them once theyre in. Also, he seemed fine for the first few months i had him.

I am worried about the opposite problem. Anyone ever keep a flame and mystery peacefully?

 

[anbosu]

Just to introduce the fish to the tank and get it past the initial period of aggression.