Moving Majestic Angel?

[Opistognathus]

Hi everyone,

I have a 125g SPS tank, currently with only a few fish that I moved when I upgraded from a nano. I purchased a Majestic Angelfish off the Diver's Den 8 days ago. The angel was only there for 2 weeks and I wanted to make sure she was eating, doing well, etc. because I know they're fairly touchy.

She is extremely shy - much more so than I expected. I can hardly feed her because she freaks out so much (even though I usually leave as soon as I feed). She looks disease free and healthy, but whenever I'm in the room with the quarantine (which is often), she hides in one cave and just stays there until I leave. When I leave the room, she paces the tank (she's larger than the listed size by a good inch or so..) but if there's any movement, she dashes for cover. I've observed her eating mysis, but only a few pieces and only if they go right by her. She's picked at Formula 2 but didn't really gobble it. Other than that, nothing.

I have a bit of an emergency and have to leave this coming Tuesday till Friday and I'm worried about her. I don't know anyone who can really feed frozen food while I'm gone. I'm wondering if she would have a better chance in my DT where there is more hiding places, dither fish, and rock for her to pick at? Maybe I should keep her in quarantine and hope for the best? Perhaps she just needs more time - what are your thoughts? Sorry for the wall of text.

 

[rssjsb]

That's a pickle. These fish are shy, and the behavior you're describing is not unusual IME.

How big is the fish and how big is your QT? Do you have any live rock in there? Could you move some over? Does the fish look thin? Unfortunately, the things we usually do to get a skittish fish eating can be a problem if you don't have someone around to do a water change now and then. You could put a shrimp or crab or something in there while you're gone to clean up extra food (knowing you'd have to move it if you decide to treat the fish).

 

[JaneG]

I'd suggest you keep her in QT myself - the stress from moving would more than likely make her even more shy/skiddish.

 

[Opistognathus]

The QT tank is 20g and it does have a fair bit of live rock. I'm really happy because today she's turned around quite a bit - she ate Mysis really well and nipped at Nori. :spin3: She even lets me watch her swim if I don't move. I'll probably keep her in QT, but I still wonder if I should move her over now. Being only 20g (and her being ~4"?), I can see how the tank is really too small! I'm upgrading my QT for other fish for sure..

 

[rssjsb]

Great! Glad to hear it.