Cleaner Wrasse and Clams

[MuralReef]

So I recently added a cleaner wrasse that is eating well. So my clam has been closed up today and I was watching and the wrasse isn't nipping at the clam but flashing inside the clam. He sneaks in and rubs on the inside and takes off. Why would he choose the clam to do this in? Is this normal? How long do I give the wrasse before he gets the boot?

 

[MuralReef]

I did some checking and much to my dismay they are notorious clam nippers. Mine isn't nipping, but is agitating enough that I think it might have to go.

 

[MuralReef]

Any suggestions on how to catch this quick little bugger? The only thing he consistently comes back to is the clam, but my clam is the size of a football.

How long will the clam be okay being annoyed by this critter?

 

[MuralReef]

I have a small fish trap but I am not sure if I can lure him in there.

 

[Haddonisreef]

Can u cover the clam w pond basket till he's out? Find where he sleeps good luck man these lil guys are fast!

 

[MuralReef]

Almost had him when he swam into a rock. I'll keep trying. Should be able to get him hiding and just pull the whole piece of rock.

 

[MuralReef]

I like the pond basket idea.

 

[Haddonisreef]

That's your best bet is pull a rock out w him in it, then just put in a bucket till he's out them pull the rock. Good luck man

 

[MuralReef]

Agreed. I had no idea they were clam nippers.

 

[Haddonisreef]

Agreed. I had no idea they were clam nippers.

I had never heard that either

 

[sethsolomon]

lets hope the little booger didn't do any permanent damage to the clam.

 

[MuralReef]

It doesn't look like he's nipping.

 

[zombie]

I would try mysis shrimp in a fish trap. That's the only way I was ever able to catch my wrasses

 

[MuralReef]

I will I tried for an hour and he literally swam circles around me.

 

[MuralReef]

I know clams aren't an Atlantic species but I might temporarily put it in the 180.

 

[Balz3352]

Catch him in the clam... Like haddison suggested except with the clam and not a rock?

 

[MuralReef]

He's fast

 

[MuralReef]

I'm going to pull the clam tomorrow and put it in the 180. I can't get rid of this bugger now that I found out it will eat pellets.

 

[SkyShark]

I'm going to pull the clam tomorrow and put it in the 180. I can't get rid of this bugger now that I found out it will eat pellets.

Bummer. A cleaner that eats pellets!

 

[MuralReef]

I know bummer huh!