Wrasse Bad Behavior - Timeout Needed?

[Deinonych]

I currently have three wrasses in my DT - an Exquisite Fairy, a McCosker's Flasher and a Blue Flasher. The Blue was introduced in mid-February via acclimation box. While in the box, neither of the other two wrasses showed any aggression (or interest for that matter). After a few days, I let the Blue out, and the Exquisite immediately showed aggression toward him, chasing and nipping at him relentlessly. I then put the Exquisite in the acclimation box (actually, he put himself there after chasing the Blue back into it). I kept the Exquisite in the box for a little over a week, to give the Blue time to acclimate. After reintroduction, the Exquisite no longer showed any aggression toward the Blue at the time.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, and the Exquisite has decided he hates the Blue, and has been extremely aggressive toward him, chasing him whenever he is in the water column. As a result, the Blue spends most of the day in his bolt-hole. He still comes out at feeding time and gets his fill. However, after several minutes of feeding, the Exquisite chases him back to his rock.

My question is, should I put the Exquisite in timeout, or should I give it more time for them to work out their differences? As I mentioned, the Blue is eating, but he's clearly not happy and I don't like the fact that he's not swimming around. I have a fish trap, and can setup a tank to hold the Exquisite for a while, so it's not a big deal to do so. That said, I'd prefer to leave things be if they will eventually sort things out. If a timeout is a better idea, how long should I keep the Exquisite in the holding tank? I was thinking a few weeks, but would appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[evolved]

Things are not likely to change, time out or not.

With the blue pinned down essentially, it will eventually wither away.

Sorry to say, but you'll have to choose one to remove.

 

[Deinonych]

Bummer. OK, I guess one will need to find a new home, then.

 

[CoralNerd]

I'm in a similar situation with two flasher wrasses [emoji23]. They were fine then I fed them some new food and they got sick. Well the Yellowfin Flasher recovered quicker and now won't accept the Blue Flasher [emoji30]

I wonder if I will have to choose one also?

 

[Deinonych]

So, the problem just solved itself, albeit not the way I would have liked. I was able to trap and remove the Exquisite and put him in my invert QT until I could come up with a plan to re-home him. Unfortunately, he decided he didn't like his new surroundings and launched himself from a small gap in the rear of the aquarium. My wife even heard the splash but didn't put 2 and 2 together and tell me. Found him on the carpet about 30 minutes ago.