Change in dottyback behaviour

[t1a1c1h]

We have two orchid dottybacks in our 90G reef tank. Until a week or so ago they were both active, swimming around all over the tank investigating everything, hunting on the rocks and at least trying to eat anything that was small enough to fit into their mouths. Now one of them (which we believe by size if the female) has taken to a small den and barely comes out even at feeding times. She had an injured fin but it seems to have healed well and all the other fish are fine, healthy, active etc, tank param are fine too. One thought we had was maybe she is incubating eggs in there?? We haven't noticed any 'spawning' behaviour but.... Any thoughts? It's worrying us a little bit.

 

[Moort82]

It could be that your fish is guarding eggs but it won't be the female as that's the male's job. If it is eggs then in a few days you should see more of it.
Dotty's are cave spawners so you won't see much activity. The main give away is the female. She will suddenly swell with eggs and look fat (the eggs hydrate quickly) and then next day she will be slim again.

They are easy and fun to breed and there's plenty of threads on how to do it and what you are likely to see, so have a little search.