Wrasse not fitting in

[ratm909]

Hi,

I recently purchased (what I believe to be) a hoevens wrasse.

It was the last fish I was planning to add to my 75gal(91gal system) reef tank.

My fish have always been peaceful and healthy. But for some reason, they are literally ganging up on this one. Has soon as he comes out, they all chase him almost like a pack. It's interesting in the sense that different species seems to have formed some type of alliance but it's not good for the wrasse obviously.

Even my Midas blenny who lives on the left side of the tank at all times comes out of his "territory" and gets in on the action. They're has alway been a certain curiosity from tank mates when introducing something new, but this as been lasting for now over a week. It's time for him to eat!

I'm thinking I might have overloaded the tank, according to my calculations at 7 fish I should be ok. Here is my current stocking.

Midas blenny full grown
small yellow tang
2 small azure damsels
1 sandsifting goby small
1 lawnmower blenny small
1 hoevens wrasse medium size

Thanks you for your time!

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[scooter31707]

Believe it or not you have some aggressive fish there if they want to be. I have heard of the Midas being a jerk sometimes and from experience my LMB is a PITA to fish equal or smaller in size. Maybe they will calm down.

 

[ratm909]

Interesting, so you would not consider my tank overloaded?


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[BigBlueTang]

Interesting, so you would not consider my tank overloaded?


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I think the tang is a big problem.. Yellow tangs in 4' tanks are usually a PITA to newly added fish. Hoevens, or H. Melanurus wrasses are usually plenty aggressive themselves.. I would rearrange the rockwork.

Not to mention damsels are usually always a PITA.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Using a social acclimation box when introducing new fish often helps prevent this kind of behavior.

Placing a mirror against the outside of the tank can also distract the aggressors.

 

[ratm909]

Well turns out he's the most aggressive feeder of the group. Already eating out of my hands.

Everything seems to have calmed down. Has long has there is nori in the tank they all seem pretty happy


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[JohnnyHildo]

I think the tang is a big problem.. Yellow tangs in 4' tanks are usually a PITA to newly added fish. Hoevens, or H. Melanurus wrasses are usually plenty aggressive themselves.. I would rearrange the rockwork.

Not to mention damsels are usually always a PITA.

my experience doesn't necessarily agree with this.
i added a purple tang which is typically more aggressive than a yellow to my 48" 120g thinking it would be my final fish and it caused my wrasse to go into a 20 day hiding spell. the tang patrolled the tank and made the other fish nervous so i decided a couple more fish (flame hawkfish and leopard wrasse) were in order to spread the hate a little more. it worked better than i ever expected. the tang seems content with everyone now and the tank is more relaxed in general.
long story short, the right number of fish has been the answer for me twice in my fish-keeping days.