Curious Emp. Angel Behavior

[jnc914]

I have had a Juvi Emp. (4.5 ") since 3/06. He is presently going through his color change, which is really cool to watch. I have recently become concerned because he has been lathargic, not eating like a pig, and is generally intimidated by the other tanks mates, which include some boisterous Tangs. This has never been an issue, as he was second in command to my Sailfin. Is this type of behavior common with the Emp. during the color change. Has anyone else seen behavioral changes when the fish is going through this transition? Should I be worried?

 

[jnc914]

I also feed a varied diet, which included Selcon and Vita-Chem supplementation. I also feed Hikari Marine-Angel frozen food. In addition he is recovering from an unexpected ich outbreak due to a fall in PH.

 

[poopsko24]

they require reef quality water conditions. double check youre parameters. They also like to be the boss of the tank. They are not happy to the fullest if they don't feel like the alpha of the tank, and they're behavior will show it.

 

[jnc914]

poopsko24- I think that I agree with insight on the Emp. wanting to be the boss. I have even thought of removing one or two of the larger fish. It seems like my Emp. is depressed that he isn't the boss :>(

Water quality is back to normal since the PH incident. I will definately test parameters more.

 

[Mark]

Check your Nitrates, Nitrites, and Ammonia. Emperors are typically the canary in the coal mine. I knew a few aquarist with large pomacanthus in fish only tanks, that would know when a water change was needed based on the behavior of their angelfish.

 

[Triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7987976#post7987976 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnc914

Water quality is back to normal since the PH incident.

how long ago was that..ph issues can often have fatal results.

 

[jnc914]

Roughly two weeks ago the Ph had dropped down to 7.8, which I nearly had a heart attack when I saw that. I have stabilized the PH now between 8.1 - 8.25.

 

[Triggerfish]

can the timing of that be related to witnessed change in behavior and how fast did you raise it back up?