McCosker's Wrasse Hiding

[nsmith_mma]

I have had my McCosker's for about 2 weeks now. For the first 5 or so days it hid out mostly among the rock work, and for the following week or so it was a common sight out in the more open areas. About 4 days ago I added some coral and I have only seen him one time since. It was about 2 days ago. He just popped out into the open, had a look around, and then went back into hiding. I'm not sure if me being in the tank moving things around just spooked him, but I'm worried that he's not eating and will eventually die.

All water parameters are fine and I haven't found him on the floor.

Is this fairly normal behavior?

 

[Shoryureppa]

That is normal. New fish new home. How would you feel if I took you from your house, move you halfway around the world in a box then rearrange that box? It needs to get used to its new home. Give it a few weeks and keep your hands out of the tank.

 

[bazr57]

like shoryureppa said, its normal. when I got my McCoskers it hid for a while too. once they warm up to the tank they are such pretty fish, hope yours comes out soon!

 

[nsmith_mma]

Should I assume he is eating then? I never see him at feeding time. How long would he last if he was on a hunger strike?

 

[CedzAquAddictio]

If he's been in there for 2 weeks, he's eating something. Quite often food will drift into the rocks, and fish can feed without leaving the rocks...

Best of luck!!!

 

[nsmith_mma]

Right it's just tricky because he went through his initial shy phase, then was out and about pretty much all day for about 5 days, and now he's gone reclusive. So I don't know if he's on a hunger strike as well.

I want to go in and move sand around just to see if he's alive in there but I'm not going to do that because that would likely stress him out more.

 

[ridetheducati]

Did you quarantine the wrasse prior to adding to the display?

 

[nsmith_mma]

No. Unfortunately I don't have the space for a QT.