Rosy Scale Wrasse nearing the ends of his days...

[gmdcdvm]

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.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

Beautiful Rosy Scale wrasse! Wish wrasses had a longer lifespan.

Think we need a Wrasse Lovers thread to show off these beautiful Supermales

 

[iani]

I have the exact same experience.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

Beautiful specimen
It is lucky to be in your care

 

[gmdcdvm]

Wrasses should not be chillin at the bottom of a tank in the middle of the day.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

Wrasses should not be chillin at the bottom of a tank in the middle of the day.
View attachment 78344

Damaged fins?

 

[gmdcdvm]

Damaged fins?

They are frayed. But no one messes with him. Just sits there most of the day. During feeding time he gets up and jumps into the mix with other fish. Then goes back down.

 

[JustinBolton]

I had a ruby head super male do the same thing, hide, lay on the bottom, avoid lights, despite being an established super male. Super fat, responsive and no signs of end of life. At this time i treated my tank for hydroids using fenbedazole. Antidotally, the wrasse recovered fully and was spirited like before. I ended up giving my system away 6mo later due to moving cross country but to the best of my knowledge was still doing fine after they left my care. Could of be an internal parasite thats was responsible.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

I had a ruby head super male do the same thing, hide, lay on the bottom, avoid lights, despite being an established super male. Super fat, responsive and no signs of end of life. At this time i treated my tank for hydroids using fenbedazole. Antidotally, the wrasse recovered fully and was spirited like before. I ended up giving my system away 6mo later due to moving cross country but to the best of my knowledge was still doing fine after they left my care. Could have be an internal parasite thats was responsible.

That is interesting…