Are foxfaces just weird?

[booyaa138]

I got a foxface around 2 weeks ago. At the same time I got a coral beauty. They both just finished TTM and now in QT. Right before the 4th transfer the foxface started acting weird. Swimming with his head down and even swimming upside down. Then he will swim normal. When he sleeps or hides I find him sometimes on his side also and most of the day he's just leaning against the PVC elbows. Of coarse he changes color and raises his spikes all the time. Everyday I come out to see the tank I think he's going to be dead be nope still alive and the nori sheets in the tank are gone also. Is this normal for a foxface? Is it just because he is in QT? Never had a foxface before so I really don't now.

 

[cougareyes]

I've had my 1st foxface just a couple of months, he wasn't that weird but in qt I was very concerned about him going to the dt. He was so skiddish, always hiding, stressing with his color fading. Then wow, I put him in the dt and he's awesome, always out and about. Not stressed even when the tusk was bullying him, he stood his ground and really paid him little attention. His color and personality is awesome, just what I was looking for.

 

[booyaa138]

I hope this is the case. I really want him to survive through QT

 

[Tripod1404]

I have never seen a foxface swim upside down but all the other behavior you describe are normal for a scared foxface.
They are naturally skittish fish. When they got scared they generally run away and lean against a rock with the spines reaching outwards. This is a mechanisms that prevents the predators from reaching to the body of the fish without getting stung by the spines. They might also wedge themselves under stuff with the same intend. The color change is for camouflage (as the brown patched coloration is far less visible compared to bright yellow), even if the fish gets discovered, it also looks like rotting/dead so the predator might lose interest.

 

[Sounds Fishy]

I hope this is the case. I really want him to survive through QT

I think they all due that,when in a new environment and being moved around.Once it goes into the display tank and settles in ,you will see less of anxiety behaviours.They will become one of your favorite fish in the aquarium.They often form a close bond with other fish.My Foxface followed my Moorish Idol everywhere,they were inseparable.

 

[booyaa138]

this all makes me feel better and looking forward to getting him in the DT

 

[wcu]

I had a foxface lo and don't remember him ever showing any behavior like that.

 

[Sounds Fishy]

The Fox face I had was put in a 20 gallon aquarium during q/t.It didn't have any LR to hide,but it used some of the macro algae I had put in as camo.Mine was black and upside down a couple of times.I thought it was dead and rotted.I didn't even recognize it as a fish,however,that is what they do to hide,if they a scared,they are blending in,when there is no where to go. I am sure if his surroundings in q/t included hiding places,that would not have happened.There was nothing wrong with it's health,and I am sure yours is healthy too.They are a hearty fish.If it eats,don't worry.

 

[booyaa138]

I guess they are just a weird fish. Seems like they play dead or sick. I've watched him swim on his side and lay down. Then when he thinks I'm gone he swims normal. Crazy fish!