How long can a peppermint shrimp survive under a small rock

[RioReefr]

My tank has been established for over a year. I originally had a peppermint shrimp until he was eaten by a flame hawkfish. Flame Hawkfish jumped out of the tank recently. So, I bought another peppermint shrimp who my Purple Dottyback did not like one bit.

Anyway, the pep found a nice little rock where the Dottyback cannot get to. So, I feel bad because he hasn't left this spot for almost a week now. Every now and again I see him pop his head out but he seems terrified to leave this spot.

Can I feed him something?

Does the Dottyback think he is a food source?

BTW, I originally had this same Dottyback with another peppermint shrimp but that Pep was much much bigger.

None of the other fish seem to care one bit about the shrimp but the dottyback hates him (for some reason). I got the shrimp bc I am starting to see more aiptasia forming but if my shrimp cannot even come out of his hiding spot then I don't see his usefulness.

 

[outssider]

he'll come out at night.....but retreat back by day.....peps are pretty much nocturnal anyway

 

[Crooked Reef]

Yep, mostly nocturnal. It will not only survive in the rock, it will likely thrive coming out at night to eat.

 

[RioReefr]

I think that makes sense and I would describe the Purple Dottyback as "diurnal" -- I NEVER see him at night. I tend to go to bed fairly early (10pm) and awake at 6am. Maybe this is why I almost never see the Peppermint Shrimp.
However the other one I had gotten huge and always saw bouncing around the tank during all hours.