Dartfish Shyness

[iced98lx]

All- I added two purple firefish to my 180 gallon mixed tank about 2 months ago. At first they acted as I expected (I had a pair in my biocube prior) and hung out in front of a rock so they could dart into safety but were out and generally social. As time wore on they were out less and less. As of a couple weeks ago I thought I had lost one or both, until I discovered their hidey hole. Mostly one will pop out to grab some food when I feed frozen, and a couple times I've seen both at least visible so I know they are alive. They are however getting thin, which I do not like.

My current fish list is as follows:

2xBlack & White Ocellaris Clownfish
3x Lyrtail Anthias (1 male, two females)
1x Yellow Wrasse
1x Red Striped Wrasse (male)
1x Yellow Watchman Goby (has taken up residence opposite end of the tank from the firefish)
1x Scopas Tang

None of the fish seem to care about the firefish when they are out, but should the firefish see any other fish they dart back into their hole.

My Main question, do you think adding some other fish could help the firefish feel more secure in being out? I've seen it work with Anthias but not dartfish.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[38bill]

I have a purple firefish that I only see once every couple months and its in a 29BC. Past experience makes me believe that the Purple's is probably the most shy of the firefish. It depends on the fish but I have had much better luck with the basic firefish. They seem to be out and about much more. I would think adding fish could make it worse not better. Watch the tank carefull, sometimes its just one fish that is threatening to the FF causing it to hide.

 

[40B Knasty]

I have a grammica lined dartfish. He is hider too. He pops out like a hungry hippo when the food is drifting by. I just don't think he likes to make to much effort. Plus the light I am guessing might be to much for him being a deeper depth fish. Not sure where the purples are collected at for depth, but that could also be a reason. Maybe find a better source of food to spike their interest. I buy a small scallop from the seafood section. Always under a dollar and will keep in the freezer for a good week. Get a knife that cuts well. Cut it into tiny thin pieces like your frozen mysis and brine. Drift that by them. Shrimp is another try. Those are my tank treats.

 

[eatbreakfast]

If there is too much activity, even if there is no aggression, it can cause dartfish to become more timid. Wrasses and tangs frequently have this affect.