Engineer Goby Concerns

[swamp]

I have a pair of engineer gobies that are about a year old, approximately 10" long. They have done very well until now. Since yesterday, one of the engineers has not returned to its tunnel, and has spent time just laying on the sand (occasionally takes a swim around the tank and up to the surface). There have not been problems between fish in the aquarium in the past, but now the yellow-bellied blue hippo tang is picking on it. The engineer could go into the rocks or into one of its tunnels to protect itself, but it just sits there and takes it. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

---Marshall

 

[Eric the half-bee]

I have a pair of engineer gobies that are about a year old, approximately 10" long. They have done very well until now. Since yesterday, one of the engineers has not returned to its tunnel, and has spent time just laying on the sand (occasionally takes a swim around the tank and up to the surface). There have not been problems between fish in the aquarium in the past, but now the yellow-bellied blue hippo tang is picking on it. The engineer could go into the rocks or into one of its tunnels to protect itself, but it just sits there and takes it. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

---Marshall

Marshall, I have a pair also and they're probably 7-8". Occasionally, one of them will lay on the sand for the day and just "veg". Then, he'll get back in the tunnel. IDK what the explanation is.

 

[sufunk]

Hmmm, not sure what that could be??? I've never seen that happen with either Engineer that i've had

I had an Engineer for 3 years before it jumped and have had another one for the past 2 years in my daughters tank. I can tell you that they are definitely VERY hardy though so i wouldnt be too worried.

My daughters tank gets a little neglected and the water quality is pretty poor but the engineers have never had a problem in there.

Is he still eating?

 

[swamp]

Sad Ending

Sad Ending

Eric & Sufunk---
Thanks for the responses. Sadly, this guy didn't make it. Don't know what caused him to come out initially, but he got pretty chewed up by his tankmates. Fortunately, the other engineer still seems to be healthy (although a little afraid to come out!).
---Marshall