How long will a Royal Gramma hide?

my2rotties · #1 07-21-2009, 05:15 AM

I hardly ever saw mine in all the rock work. They usually stay close to their little cave and don't venture out much beyond that. Sometimes it really sucks getting fish like this and always worry about them. Hopefully he is eating. My marine betta hides all the time, and I never see that fish eat anything ever. He must be getting something, and its not my smaller fish or shrimp. I have had him forever now, and try to target feed when he does not hide as soon as I look at him. I hope your guy comes out sooner or later... you never know. Don't you just love buying fish that you hardly ever see... mind you it seems to be such a special treat when they do poke their heads out from time to time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

Okay, well, it's been a week, I hope he decides to come out soon. I do agree with what you're saying, it's just difficult to see if he's eating in the back of the tank.

BlueAbyss · #2 07-21-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my2rotties

Don't you just love buying fish that you hardly ever see... mind you it seems to be such a special treat when they do poke their heads out from time to time.

I would have been better off with a damsel

No, I'm just kidding... although I'm thinking adding a second fish to the tank would help the situation. Or changing the orientation of the rock... I may do this anyhow since the rock pivots. I've been considering this for a week already, I don't want to lose any livestock to a crushing incident.

But you're right, he may just like that spot. If so, I hope he does okay.

BlueAbyss · #3 07-21-2009, 05:45 PM

Well, we no longer have to worry about it, he was dead on the sand today around noon. RIP Lucky... I've just killed my first marine fish. Time for a round of parameter testing.

my2rotties · #4 07-21-2009, 09:37 PM

Sometimes this stuff just happens. He may not have been able to adjust to captive life... you never know. Sorry about the fish tough, it sucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

Well, we no longer have to worry about it, he was dead on the sand today around noon. RIP Lucky... I've just killed my first marine fish. Time for a round of parameter testing.

BlueAbyss · #5 07-22-2009, 06:53 PM

Hmm, I blame how he was bagged... the corners of the bag weren't taped (something they do even at Walmart to prevent damage to your fish) and he spent the 11 hours in the bag wedging himself into the corners.

It does suck, but this gives me an opportunity. Next I'll try a pair of firefish.

JDigital · #6 07-22-2009, 10:01 PM

A week??? That's nothing!

I've had my royal gramma for months now and she just started coming and swimming in the past 2 weeks... and is out even more after I moved my clowns to another tank..

BlueAbyss · #7 07-23-2009, 08:02 AM

Cool thanks J, you just gave me some insight into these fish... from what I can tell, this is common with these guys, they are rock dwelling plankton feeders that dart out to grab a food item, and return to their hidey hole. Good to know that it can take months before they feel really comfortable.

I phoned Bayside today, spoke with Colby, and he was super cool about the whole thing. He'll give me a replacement or the equivalent credit... awesome! So, I'll probably be replacing him... I really liked his colors and the way he moved. Almost grouper-like in action.

I won't be so worried about the next one hiding so much... now that I know someone didn't see their's for months