Flashlight fish lost their lights :/

[Lmax8rn]

Hey everyone,

I purchased two flashlight fish (anom.) and they are doing really well and eat everything put in front of them but the smaller one lost his bioluminescence about 3 weeks after I got him. It has been about 5 weeks and the bigger one is now losing his. I have a 240 gallon tank with about 300 lbs of live rock, they have plenty of dark places to hide in during the day. I'm not sure why this happened or if it can be fixed. They seem happy and are eating well, but no lights

Any insight? I appreciate any constructive advice you may have to give. I'm sad, I care very much about my livestock and they generally thrive, so this upsets me.

 

[ginpang]

Were antibiotics used in qt?
From what I've read photocytes need symbiotic bacteria to produce bioluminescence.

https://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/mysterious-eyes-glow-in-the-darkness/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photocyte#/issues

Perhaps the answer is in the mechanism of bioluminescence rather than the "wellness " of the fish!?


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[Lmax8rn]

Were antibiotics used in qt?
From what I've read photocytes need symbiotic bacteria to produce bioluminescence.

https://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/mysterious-eyes-glow-in-the-darkness/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photocyte#/issues

Perhaps the answer is in the mechanism of bioluminescence rather than the "wellness " of the fish!?


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No, I did not use antibiotics, I know this is contraindicated for these fish. Yes, I agree that it has something to do with the bioluminescence but I can't figure out what it is.

 

[alprazo]

I recommend reaching out to public aquariums about their husbandry and longevity of luminescence. It may be short lived in captivity and they replenish their stock from time to time. Just a guess.

 

[Lmax8rn]

That's a good idea, thanks!