Are Helfrichi's normally this shy?

[Maximus]

I just received a bonded pair of Helfrichi firefish yesterday from Live Aquaria and all they do is hide underneath a rock all day and night! I've had firefish (not Helfrichi) before and they were never as shy as these. I understand that these are deepwater and probably more prone to shyness but come on, they haven't moved out of their cave in over 36 hrs! Does anyone have Helfrichs that are as shy as mine?

 

[snorvich]

What other fish are in the tank?

 

[Bret61081]

I added a Purple to my tank a few weeks back....it hid for the first 5 days or so...now out all the time

 

[Maximus]

A pair of Latz clowns, a trio of resplendent anthias, midas blenny, a trio of female flame wrasses, lawnmower blenny, and a mandarin. None of the fish are bullies btw but I can see that new fish might be scared at first.

 

[davocean]

36 hours is nothing, especially after just being shipped, and ESPECIALLY for helfrichi's.
Hope you have a good top, they are #1 on my jumper list.

 

[Maximus]

Yep, mesh top! Ok, sounds good. I just wanted to make sure this was normal behavior for Helfrichi as this is my first pair. One good note is that they are definitely an inseparable pair as they are joined at the hips it seems!

 

[ssavader]

+1- give them plenty of time to get comfortable with their new surroundings and tank mates. Hopefully they will set up camp away from the clowns. My pair would never wander more than 6 " from their cave. The female usually stayed in the cave with only her head out, while the male kept close guard outside the cave but within easy reach of a quick retreat. Both died carpet surfing despite a really tight lid. Keep a close eye on them, especially when the lid is off the tank for feeding or cleaning- they are slick and quick and can jump out of the tank without ever being seen.

 

[Maximus]

I gave them a 2hr ultimatum and they listened!! LOL, they are finally out!! Thanks guys!

 

[C0rp]

QT is a good idea not only for disease prevention, but to allow your fishes time to settle and get to know you. When its time to be put in the DT the fishes would have an easier transition. Just a thought for the future.

 

[niter]

Gee, thanks a lot for the photos NOW, I understand why people get the Helfrichi's. Gorgeous.

I put our first purple firefish into the tank last week. I had been eyeing the standard and purple ones for ages but always avoided them due to jumping. Now that our tank was secured as best as possible from jumping, I figured it was time to try it. I love that little fish and the only improvement I could have made was holding out for a bonded pair.

 

[Maximus]

I totally agree with quarantining fish. I just took a calculated
risk as they came from a good supplier. With that said, please don't try this at home.

 

[SkullV]

Glad they came out for you. My Helfrichi from Divers Den came out on the first day and then was gone for a few days. It finally came out but it is still pretty skittish.

 

[nivekid]

My Helfrichi was a little shy at first buy now he/she is quite bold, doesn't even hide when the nieces and nephews are all over the tank!