AHEM.......
.......Because OF COURSE I got the Mystery Wrasse!
It was one of Michelle's two "must haves" and it was on sale for $79.....and usually around here these don't go for under $100.
Now, I'll tell you a story. Last night when I saw the fish in the email blast, I knew Michelle was going to want it. I also know I had both QT tanks in use. There was only possible way I might be able to pick up the wrasse.
Combine the Anthias in one tank. Risky.
Especially since the more aggressive anthias (Bartletts) had already been in their 20g for a full week. I knew I would have to add the Dispar to the Bartlett tank, because no way were three anthias going to get along in a 12g QT for another three weeks. So late last night, I added a few new decorations to the 20g tank and moved things around so the Bartletts wouldn't be so used to the tank. I netted the Dispar, floated him for a bit, and introduced him to his new "friends." I had the lights dimmed low, but the Bartletts still knew that something was amiss in their little puddle of water. They kept hanging out together, fin to fin, under the filter.
As soon as the Dispar was released, he darted under the filter and joined the other two fish. There was a brief moment of camaraderie, as if all were banded together in their fright of the Giant Pale Hand, before....and my hand to G*d on this....it seemed like there was a dawning realization on the faces of both Bartletts that "one of these things is not like the others" and there was an imposter in their midst. It was almost comical to watch.
All three fish zoomed out from under the filter at the same time. There was a few tense moments of fin flashing, mouth gaping, and posturing on the part of all three fish, but after a few minutes they seemed to settle down and stake out their own turf in the tank. Of course, feeding them helped a bit too. Much like humans, our little finned friends are a lot more agreeable after a good meal.
Of course, I was sitting by the tank the whole time watching these guys with my net in hand. If anything had gotten out of hand, I was ready to scoop up the Dispar and call it quits on the whole experiment. A sweet sale is not worth the cost of a living fish. But as it happened, the net was not needed, my Anthias are getting along, and....well, the rest is obvious. I now have 4 fish in QT tanks. And my fish gift money is fully SPENT. LOL.
Maybe another visit to the fish store. Maybe the book store. Maybe I'll lay out by the pool and fry my skin to a bright crispy char. All I know for certain is......NOOO cleaning will be done. 
