Picasso Trigger & Australian Tust Prob.

[Stuart60611]

I just added my last fish to my 125 FOWLR. I added a 3 1/2 picasso trigger and a 4-4.5 Australlian tusk at the same time. My problem is that my trigger is harrassing the tusk by nipping at its tale forcing into hiding. Even then, the trigger will periodically go into the tusks hiding place and nip at its tale forcing the tusk to move and find another hiding spot. The trigger is not really injuring the tusk at all and not constantly at the tusk. Just every once in a while he will bug the tusk with a nip which I am sure is part of the reason the tusk remains in hiding. I know tusks are fairly shy and known not to deal well with stress, and I am afraid the tusk is going to get stressed out. The fish were only added Friday so I know it is very early in the game. The trigger is eating like a pig, but the tusk has yet to eat or really come out of hiding. No help from the trigger for sure. I know that these fish are often suggested as tankmates. Is this normal behavior and can I expect is to subside?

 

[reefer334]

Tusks are very timid fish.


Picaso triggers are very aggressive fish.


I would say pick one and return the other ,
as it will be to stressful on the tusk.

I would return the tusk as even tangs will chase them.



HTH


Chris

 

[StayPuft]

I have a Tusk and Picasso and have never had any problems. In fact my Picasso is one of the tamer fish in the tank. My Powder Blue Tang is more agressive. I'd say keep an eye on them. There's usually some hostility when fish are first introduced in a new tank, it's normal. But if it keeps up for a week or longer, you might have to return/trade/sell one of them.

 

[Grouperhead]

Try separating your tank with eggcrate for a little while. Give the tusk a bigger side. After a week or however long it takes to get the tusk eating and comfortable remove the eggcrate and see how it goes. If they still don't get along one will probably need to go. Triggers and wrasses sometimes don't mix too well.

 

[Stuart60611]

Thanks for the replies. The eggcrate suggestion is a good one, but it is not going to work with my current rockwork. Well, the tusk is still hiding and not eating. The trigger is not bothering much, if at all, at this point. I watched the tank with the lights on for several hours yesterday, and the trigger only went by the tusk once in the rockwork but did not nip at him at all. Hopefully, the tusk will get adjusted and start eating. It appears that the tail of the tusk is what is attracting the trigger. Not sure if there is anything I can do about that. I guess I will just wait it out and hope. I will offer a lot of food and hope the tusk gets interested.