Wrasse Introduction

[brannock_16]

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a Tri Color Fairy Wrasse from my LFS. They have had him/her in a seperate tank (upon my request) for the last 2 weeks. The fish eats all types of frozen food and has been in QT for the time in isolation.

I brought the fish home and acclimated it to my tank and turned off all lights for 2 hours upon introduction. While the lights were out I could see him swimming about and checking out his new surroundings. As soon as I turned on the lights for feeding I have yet to find the fish again.

Is it normal for Fairy Wrasses to be timid upon introduction to a new tank? How long should I wait for the fish to not show itself in my tank before I start to worry?

I thank you in advance and have listed below my stock list for the tank, even though there should be minimal aggression in the tank.

120 Gallon tank w/40 Breeder sump. Vertex Alpha 170 skimmer, 2 media reactors (one carbon, one Bellaphos) and a fuge with macro algae.

1 Hippo Tang
1 Diamond Goby
1 Target Mandarin
1 Cleaner Wrasse
2 Oscellaris Clowns
3 Lyretail Anthias
4 Bartlett Anthias

I will also be adding an Australian Scotts Fairy Wrasse on Friday.

 

[bradleyj]

Yes, this is very normal for a fairy wrasse to hide for the first few days, even a week or longer depending on other tankmates.
The best way to introduce these fish is by using an acclimation container.
This way you can let the fish get to know each other without harrassment, and also be able to make sure it is eating good.

Another must have, is a cover for the top of your tank. These guys always jump.

 

[crobattt]

Where did you get that thing?

 

[Didac]

That is one cool looking fish.. If you don't may me asking how much u pay for this guy/girl?

 

[bradleyj]

It is a Cirrhilabrus Earlei fairy wrasse. Big male, and it wasn't cheap. There are a few more out there on the market now, and a few more coming soon off of Divers Den.