popeye sea goblin

[namxas]

I've lost count at how many setups and venomous fish we have, but I just stick my hand into the tank. As long as you're careful and respect the fish they really shouldn't even pay you much attention except to beg for food when you approach the tank.

You can use a spotter at first while you "learn" the fish if you want.

 

[rayn]

I have stuck my hand in, but I'm still wary. I have a mag scraper, but this algea is tough. I have to pass over like ten times to even dent it, then being so close to the sand bed it stirs that up and always gets some caught in the scraper. I may try a razor blade either by hand or attached to something.

I already seen this guy buried, all that was left was the eyeballs, and I've seen him take off towards the top of the tank like a bat outta hell. That is the part that worries me.

 

[namxas]

Renee (seahorsedreams) has a couple of those scrapers with interchangeable "blades" on them that she uses when she cleans the tanx, partially out of caution, partially because she's vertically-challenged. I use a razor blade and scrubber pad on glass and a plastic scraper (a scrap piece of 1/8" acrylic works well) and an acrylic scrubber pad on acrylic.

The blades/scrapers work really fast so you can minimize your "exposure" if this is a worry. The key here is you getting used to the fish and vice-versa. For instance, our adult volitans knows to move to the other side of the tank when I tap her on the tail (I used to have to gently shoo her, but she "has it" now).

 

[rayn]

How long can he go without eating? I know sitarangi said his took a week, is that normal? I haven't seen this one eat yet. Also while he has buried himself, he is mostly out and about still. Is this still from getting used to the tank or somethig I should be concerned about? If need be I could transfer to a QT but I would hate to reaclimate him if I don't need to.

Thanks for the scraper ideas. I'm not worried about getting stung, though I will try to avoid it, just precautionary thouhts.

 

[Sitarangi]

Try live ghost shrimp or guppies if necessary. Once they eat something they will go for frozen right away!

Heres my gob:

 

[matt randazzo]

very nice picture, they look like they're best buds Lol...

 

[rayn]

Are these guys by chance scavengers too? I feed silversides, shrimp, and krill and there is always some left at night but gone in the morning.

I just weened a lion off live food and used up my feeders, I'll have to get more if need be.

 

[namxas]

rayn,

"Still" is normal for these fish, even if they aren't buried. After awhile, it will likely give you its own version of "praying to the food god" (begging), but it's not like a dwarf fuzzy lionfish spitting water at you to get your attention. These fish aren't scavengers...they're ambush predators.

Here are a couple of "pre-weaning" vids of our I. japonicus eating live food prior to weaning:

Guppy Gulping:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifvbfr23UTw


Shrimp Slurping:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fST_Q8Z_Cbc

Sit,

It's funny how a lot of the ghouls come in with those "red algae socks". Ours had them for quite awhile. Both your stingfish are lookin' great.

 

[rayn]

Okay I'll relax.....a little. I tried a sea ghoul once and I never ate, so that is my paranoia there.

 

[namxas]

Okay I'll relax.....a little. I tried a sea ghoul once and I never ate, so that is my paranoia there.

Ghouls are definitely "touchier" than goblins.

 

[rayn]

My wife just seen this guy.

" Is that alive? It's ugly!"

I showed her the thread and all the pics....ugly ugly ugly. LOL

 

[jgemperline]

My wife just seen this guy.

" Is that alive? It's ugly!"

I showed her the thread and all the pics....ugly ugly ugly. LOL

Lol! I'm resurching these for my lionfish tank ( after reading this thread) and showed a photo to my wife and got the same reaction. Beauty must be in the eye of the beholder b/c these guys look cool to me. Thanks for sharing.

 

[StephLionfish]

My wife just seen this guy.

" Is that alive? It's ugly!"

I showed her the thread and all the pics....ugly ugly ugly. LOL

lol!!! My lfs had one of these guys in not too long ago. It went quickly though. That algae looks like what's in one of my tanks. it's impossible to get off. I like the tube nem by the way.

 

[namxas]

UGLY???!!! Just LOOK at that POONUM!

 

[matt randazzo]

AWW such a cute little... thing
Lol Nice pic Greg...

 

[rayn]

Sweet pic!

Mine almost ate last night. Nipped at it and swam away. Try again tonight I guess.

 

[rayn]

Nope, not tonight either.

 

[rayn]

Tomorrow is day ten and if it doesn't eat then?????

Im wondering if I shouldn't put him in the QT tank and feed him live food and wean it to frozen? I could do a twenty gallon water change to the QT for temp and salinity sake. Would I need some type of sand bed though or will it be okay bare bottom with pvc?

 

[Fibinotchi]

A move would be more stressful and counter productive IMO. Be patient and keep trying to mimic prey with many different methods and foods. If you have to, dump in a guppy or a molly.

 

[Fibinotchi]

Also, try feeding at night, by the light of the room, and make sure you don't pester it too much where it see's you or your feeding stick as an object of torment.