gmdcdvm
Supporting Member
I don't know if anyone has any interest but wanted to post my experience with my rosy scale wrasse. I purchased this fish approximately 5 years ago from another reefer who was taking down his tank. At that time the wrasse was either a female or a sub male. He became a terminal male about 2 years ago and was the dominant wrasse in the tank. I would estimate his age between 6-7 years old based on how long the other reefer had him. About a little over a month ago I noticed him hiding out more during the day and not being as active. I have not seen any aggression from other fish. He will come out to eat but spends most of his days along the bottom of the tank or hiding in the rocks. His fins are looking at little raggedy, but otherwise he is very fat, clear eyes, no skin lesions, no labored breathing. I will observe the tank from a distance and up close, and throughout the day. As far as I can tell no one is messing with him. After reading a lot about wrasses and their lifespans I have to assume he is nearing the end. I guess that is why they call it their terminal phase. I don't know how much time he has left. Just wanted to document what was going on and see if any of you have had similar experiences. The other fish in the tank all look great! The other two wrasses (a blue throat fairy wrasse and labouti wrasse) have also been supermales for almost 2 years. I suspect their time is coming soon.
Gerry
Pic from September 2025. I will post an updated pic if I can get him out long enough for one.
Gerry
Pic from September 2025. I will post an updated pic if I can get him out long enough for one.
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