Diamond Goby MIA

[Colts2Broncos]

So... a week ago we put a diamond goby in our 65G and he IMMEDIATELY went to town and cleaned up every inch in 4 days. Today, we can't find him anywhere, then I remember... they are jumpers and sure as he**, there he is dried out behind the dang tank (along with a purple firefish we had been looking for for 3 weeks and figured he had gotten under a rock, died and been eaten) We buried him by our cat, came inside and installed the plastic barriers in and covered as much as we possibly could

Then went and got a new one since they are such diligent little steam-shovels. This one has been MIA since he hit the water. I have looked behind the tank again and found nothing, scoured behind the tank and found nothing, looked some more and I'm (99%) sure he is NOT out of the tank.

Now the first DG went to town on the algae, so I assumed this one would as well, but I've read a few places that when put in a new tank they have been known to burrow and hide until they feel 'safe'. I'd love to hear about other experiences with these little critters...

Anyone?

 

[RayL]

mine has always gone to work or I have found him dead, sometimes they are working but they stay in the back behind rocks. Look from the top and see if the sand there is cleaner then in the front, he might just not be comfortable in the front yet

 

[Colts2Broncos]

Thats my problem... that first little guy went right to town and the white sand is seriously CLEAN. I honestly couldn't tell if there is any places that I could honestly say is cleaner than other places. I can't imagine where he'd be hiding unless he has burrowed somewhere. I don't see any sand and little white puffs like I did with the first DG. I hope to heck I don't find this little fella dead

 

[RayL]

If you don't see any bumps in the sand, and no holes under a rock my guess is he didn't make it. How long has it been since he went in?

 

[Colts2Broncos]

We lost sight of him less than an hour after he went in... that was only 5 hours ago. And there were hundreds of bumps left from the DG we lost this morning. Which only makes it that much more difficult.

 

[RayL]

It's only been 5 hours, I wouldn't worry yet. I thought it had been a couple days. Hopefully he will come out tomorrow when the lights go on

He might just be hiding in a hole still

 

[Colts2Broncos]

That's certainly my hope... I guess I was comparing him to the first one that went right to work. They are such awesome little fish. I'll keep looking and watching the sand. *fingers crossed*

 

[RayL]

Keep me posted, I hope you find him

 

[KeepNitReel]

He probably found the first diamond goby's hideout and went straight in it. They usually try to jump when the tank and room lights are both out together. I've watched mine with a flashlight bob up and down looking for holes in the top to jump threw. After awhile he gives up and takes he butt to bed, only to try it again the next night. After a few weeks mine has total given up the bobbing at lights out.

Good luck

 

[Colts2Broncos]

Well... he came out this morning, so he was holed up somewhere. I was SO happy to see him! I don't get the jumping thing, I mean I gotta know it's a death sentence. There are still a few small openings, and if they are that persistent maybe I should put some Press and Seal across them just to be safe. How small a hole can they actually get through in your experience?

 

[KeepNitReel]

Mines jumped threw egg crate hole, so I'd say very small. Found him just in time before he became fish jerky.

 

[Colts2Broncos]

OK then... I'm going to use something to seal off every hole possible. Thanks

 

[Colts2Broncos]

So we blocked off the back of the tank, leaving MAYBE 2 half inch holes around the skimmer tube and last night, I heard it. The splash, flop flop and I run to find the new goby behind the tank on the floor. Got him back IN the tank and tried sealing the holes better. I can't believe this fish got out a hole that small, that takes some serious aim and determination! I just can't figure out for the life of me WHY they do this.

 

[KeepNitReel]

If you actually watch how they bob up & down when the tank & room lights are out, you would understand the precise aim.
once you get the tank sealed & they can no longer jump out, they will stop. Mines stopped after about a week of the tank being fully sealed.

 

[Colts2Broncos]

Most unbelievable thing I ever heard of. They MUST know it's a deathwish.

 

[KeepNitReel]

Most unbelievable thing I ever heard of. They MUST know it's a deathwish.

The unbelievable part is when they try again the next night after being picked up off the floor the night before! :banghead: