Six line wrasse

[kenny5130]

I added a 6 line wrasse to my tank 4 weeks ago. A yellowtail damsel chased it around a bit and it went into the rocks. Haven't seen it since. Could it still be living ? It's a 65 g cube tank.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

LOL you're a brave soul damsels and 6 line wrasse in the same tank I'm surprised that the 6 line ran and hid.

It's probably hiding and comes out at night I would guess or it jumped out of your tank or could be in the overflow. If it died the CUC would dispose of the body fairly fast.

 

[kenny5130]

Is there a fish I could add that won't be so intimidated by the yellow tail damsel ? Was thinking maybe a flame angel or a Kole Tang. What I learned from this is to add fish when the lights are out.

 

[Nina51]

i wouldn't add a kole tang unless you get rid of the damsel. your tank is on the small side for even a kole tang and the damsel (and/or the wrasse) will likely torment one.

there's a sticky where steve (snorvich) will advise you on compatibility and tank size, etc. steve is a great resource when you are planning your stock list.

not sure how old your tank is but be sure to research your fish purchases. no impulse buying, that'll just get you in trouble!

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Your tank is too small for even the Damsel, I too wouldn't add anything until you get rid of it. Trying to save you many headaches down the road.

 

[flfireman1]

Your tank is too small for even the Damsel......,.

Really??? Geez talk about overkill...

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Yes Really! Unless fish getting killed is what you wish to have, then by all means go for it.

 

[rdnyva]

I don't think the size of the tank is too small as much as that we are dealing with an aggressive damsel that is well established in the tank. In a case like that a much larger tank would be too small.

The only damsels I would even consider are clowns or a chromis.

To answer the original question, it's possible the six line is still alive but hiding from the damsel. Six lines eat pods which can be found in rock work or at night. I'd try removing the damsel, since you won't be able to add any new fish anyway, and see if the six line eventually reappears.

 

[TheReeferer]

6 line is actually pretty docile. It gets a bad wrap from a lot of folks here-- also the same people who don't have a specimen in their tank....

Damsel need to be kept in check in terms of temperament, for example I've 1 lyre tail anthias that sleeps near it and a junvile Melanurus wrasse amoung other community species. It's properly stocked, my damsel causes no issues at all.

 

[EllisJuan]

6 line is actually pretty docile. It gets a bad wrap from a lot of folks here-- also the same people who don't have a specimen in their tank....

I have had two and I could not disagree with you more.

 

[MondoBongo]

6 line is actually pretty docile. It gets a bad wrap from a lot of folks here-- also the same people who don't have a specimen in their tank....

you are the first and only person i've personally seen who takes this position.

we're talking about Pseudocheilinus hexataenia, correct?

this guy:

mine was an absolute terror. harassed my clowns all day long. he would get a running start from the bottom of the tank and slam in to the clowns who preferred to stay near the top. scared one so bad he went carpet surfing.

beautiful fish, but absolutely terrible tank mates from everything i've seen, and everyone i've talked to, except for you.

 

[rdnyva]

I've always had one in my tank over the years. I've experienced no more aggression than any other fish. I currently have a mixed tank with tangs, Royal gramma, pair of clowns. Six line is no problem.

 

[snorvich]

It depends what you are trying to mix with it. Large aggressive fish will not be a big issue. Smaller passive fish and other wrasses is normally a large problem.

 

[Dking271]

I've had one Six Line that was a model citizen, but got really established and wouldn't allow any new additions into his tank. I trapped him and returned and exchanged him for another. The new Six Line seems way more docile and laid back. Hasn't bothered any new additions...yet. I have one more fish that will eventually make its way to his tank, so I'm hoping for the best.

 

[kenny5130]

I would like to remove the aggressive damsel but i would probably have to remove all of the rock work and drain half of the water. I just hold the net in front of the tank and they all dart into the rocks. Maybe I could catch him when the lights come on.

 

[Dking271]

I would use a fish trap. I own one, but my LFS also has one that they lend out to customers. It's way easier than tearing down a tank to catch problem fish.

 

[rdnyva]

Fish trap is the way to go. Just need patience and always feed out of the trap until the fish you want goes in. I just trapped a Flame Hawkfish that was a model citizen for 2 years and then all of a sudden became aggressive. Only took 2 days to trap him.

 

[TheReeferer]

It definitely has to do with tank mates and surroundings. My 6 line doesn't even pay attention to my feedings, let alone other fish. He doesn't mind new additions but my bicolor Benny does. That's a real pia fish!

 

[ccasa004]

My six line never bothers my other fish.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Not yet anyway. Trust me it will happen as it usually does.