Is My Ruby Longfin Wrasse Okay?

DocRose · Nov 30, 2022

So I know fish don't actually have a nose like we do. I use the term nose because it's located above the mouth and between the eyes. This Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse has been in my 20 gallon QT for about two weeks now. Like any shipped fish, it went into hiding (as best it could) for the first week (only coming out to quickly grab food). Now I see it out and about, and only really gets startled if you approach the tank too fast. If you come up slowly enough it doesn't bother him. My concern is this white bump on its "nose". It's been there since about the 4th or 5th day (at least that's when I noticed it). He swims around fine and eats aggressively... I haven't seen him ever try to jump or run into the rock or glass. Also, there's a blue line on its underside that runs from the mouth almost all the way to the pectoral fin. Thoughts?

blaxsun · Nov 30, 2022

I've had a few different wrasses display a slight injury as pictured with your wrasse, and it typically healed/cleared up after a week or so (not sure if this is the same scenario with your wrasse).

vetteguy53081 · Nov 30, 2022

DocRose said:
So I know fish don't actually have a nose like we do. I use the term nose because it's located above the mouth and between the eyes. This Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse has been in my 20 gallon QT for about two weeks now. Like any shipped fish, it went into hiding (as best it could) for the first week (only coming out to quickly grab food). Now I see it out and about, and only really gets startled if you approach the tank too fast. If you come up slowly enough it doesn't bother him. My concern is this white bump on its "nose". It's been there since about the 4th or 5th day (at least that's when I noticed it). He swims around fine and eats aggressively... I haven't seen him ever try to jump or run into the rock or glass. Also, there's a blue line on its underside that runs from the mouth almost all the way to the pectoral fin. Thoughts?

Glad to hear the overall habits are normal. The fish may have gotten this from being netted (net damage ) and should heal on its own BUT keep an eye on it to assure it does not develop into an infection and Assure you are providing good water quality to prevent bacteria