One juvi leopard wrasse chasing another

[small alien]

I have 2 juvi leopard wrasses about 2 inches long each. I introduced them to an established QT about 5 weeks ago and they began eating frozen mysis and roe with vigor. After 3 weeks in QT, I introduced them to a peaceful mixed fish community in a 75 gallon mixed reef. They adjusted well and eat like crazy. I dare say they're "fat".

So, they swim together and interact and have just been super peaceful for the entire 5 weeks or so. Today, all of the sudden, one is chasing the other like crazy. I mean it is really seeking out the other one and chasing it. I don't believe it is striking it at all. The color on the one being chased is faded and it seems a bit freaked.

I will add that there was a big Bangaii in there with them. After about a week, the Bangaii began chasing them a lot so I banished it to the sump. This is now about a week after that that this chasing has begun. It doesn't seem related but I thought I'd mention it.

Do you think one is establishing itself as the male? Is that how they do it? What do you think is going on? The fish are doing so great. I hate to see this relentless chasing and it would help if I understood what they are doing.

Thanks so much, Paul

 

[SDahmer]

I'm not 100% sure, but I do think it's just dominant behavior. The larger of my two meleagris did this for a week or two when first added to my tank, but has since stoped.

 

[ShrimpChipGal]

I had one that was weaker than the rest once and she got chased relentlessly. However, she was smart and hid under the overflow. Also, she ate LOTS during that time to bulk up and the chasing stopped after that.

Mine did fade during the time of chase as well. When it got bad, she would dive into the sand bed. The lighter coloring helps them camouflage. Fascinating creatures, they are!

 

[small alien]

Thanks so much for your replies. That makes me feel a bit better.

FWIW, I put the Bangaii back in the tank last evening. So far no chasing from it. If I see any at all, I will pull it again (it's easy to catch) but for now I thought it might provide a different vibe for the wrasses. Though, if it is a normal behavior, I don't want to short-circuit anything.

Maybe I'm over thinking this a tad. :mixed:

These are truly special fish and I so want them to do well. :rollface: