pink spot goby won't acclimate

[greddy1]

Hello all,
I got a pink spot goby last week and this guy isn't doing well. He's in a 90 gallon with plenty of rock and sand but keeps hovering in the corners trying to escape. I have a mesh lid that does a decent job but he won't move down to the sand bed. To make matters worse I have a lawnmower blenny that's been punking him to since he arrived. I didn't think the blenny would be a problem cuz they don't look alike. Any thoughts?

 

[Triggerfish]

what were your observations of it at lfs? this fish should normally burrow relatively quickly..

 

[greddy1]

The goby was purchased online through a wholesaler. I remember this happening when I tried a blue spot jawfish instead of him burrowing in the sand he kept staying at the top of the tank till he eventually got his wish and jumped out

 

[snorvich]

If the fish is hovering near the water returns, it may have a parasite in its gills. Otherwise you are describing intimidation from an existing tank mate.

 

[greddy1]

all those are possible although I didnt see anything around his gills. Is there an identifying mark if it does have a parasite? Also the lawnmower blenny has been pushing him around. He seems strong and about 3" long

 

[snorvich]

all those are possible although I didnt see anything around his gills. Is there an identifying mark if it does have a parasite? Also the lawnmower blenny has been pushing him around. He seems strong and about 3" long

It is not a visible symptoms issue, it is a behavior issue. Always diagnose first through behavior.

 

[W1ngz]

Any chance you can separate them for a while? I'm pretty new, so been doing a lot of reading on the subject of quarantine, and it seems the biggest, and most overlooked advantage, is the mental health of the fish. I'm paraphrasing, but it goes something like this: Give the fish a month in a peaceful tank to calm down after the whirlwind of capture, storage, transport, transfer, sale and shipping

 

[snorvich]

Any chance you can separate them for a while? I'm pretty new, so been doing a lot of reading on the subject of quarantine, and it seems the biggest, and most overlooked advantage, is the mental health of the fish. I'm paraphrasing, but it goes something like this: Give the fish a month in a peaceful tank to calm down after the whirlwind of capture, storage, transport, transfer, sale and shipping

Yes, that is one of the advantages of quarantine, the other, of course, is prevention of disease/infection.

 

[greddy1]

I checked him a few hours ago and he was down in a corner of the tank on the sand bed so hopefully he realizes escape is futile

 

[snorvich]

. . . so hopefully he realizes escape is futile

Don't count on that. If they can escape, they will if so inclined.

 

[greddy1]

so far after a week of him in the tank, at night he goes down in a corner on the sand bed, during the day he goes up into the opposite corner near the overflow and hides behind the heater. I still cant tell if he's even eaten yet. His body seems in good health but still not sure how to help him acclimate

 

[W1ngz]

I'd give it a months "time out" in a separate tank. If you think it might have a parasite, you might consider some medications also.