yellow wrass

2oldfrogs · 09-07-2008, 02:32 AM

I have had my 54 gallon tank a little over 1 yr. I have live rock and the following fish: 1 clown fish, 1 pajama fish, 2 urchins, 1 serpent starfish, 1 hermit crab, 1 yellow tang, 1 sailfin and 2 yellow wrasses. All (with the exception of the hermit crab) have lived peacefully since I set the tank up. The hermit crab was added 6 weeks ago. About 2 weeks ago, the bigger wrass has bullied the smaller one to the point that it only comes out at night. Previously, they both swam side by side and rarely hid. I haven't been able to find any articles in regards to this new behavior. I really don't want to get rid of either wrass. If someone has had a similar issue with wrasses of the same species, could you please provide a solution? Thanks.

tims · 09-07-2008, 09:12 AM

i have moved your thread to the general area for more to see,
how big are the wrasses? generally once they reach a larger size they tend to pick an area as "MINE". your tank over all in size is not that large so you may end up losing one or having to increase the tank size X3. ( with a tang i strongly suggest increasing the tank size)

Loverotties · 09-07-2008, 10:03 AM

Your tank isn't big enough for oneTang and you have two.

crvz · 09-07-2008, 10:09 AM

Agreed with Tim, your tank is unlikely not large enough for the two wrasses, you may need to find a new home for one of them. Also with the two Zebrasoma sp. tangs, you may need to seriously consider getting a larger tank. The sailfin tang can reach sizes greater than 14", and your 54 won't be near large enough for an adult sailfin.

Seamore · 09-07-2008, 01:55 PM

Did a little reading apparently males Have one black spot on the dorsal females have two and small females and juvniles have three. If you have two males you may need to trade one out or the smaller one will pay the price, in that size tank.

http://www.petsolutions.com/articles/149300.html

2oldfrogs · 09-07-2008, 02:41 PM

Thank you all for your input. Based on the "spots" info, both are females (one is 2" and the other one is 3"). It took me 3 hours to catch one of them (the 3") and have moved her to my 14 gallon biocube (I know it's too small but it'll have to do for now). In the meantime, I'll keep an eye on both tangs and will have to trade one in when they do start fighting. Upgrading to a bigger tank is not an option, at this time. They have been "friends" for the past year and they always swim together.