Suicidal Jawfish???

[ctlegacy]

I purchased 2 pearly Jawfish 2 days ago. I didn't see them for 2 days. Wasn't sure if they were even in the tank anymore. Then today, they both come out and for the better part of an hour bang around the top looking for a way out. Not just casually looking, but frantically like I would if I feel through the ice and was looking for a way out like my life depended on it. I finally spooked them back down to the bottom of the tank again and haven't seen them since, but what the heck??????

 

[gmigmi]

1. is your tank covered?
2. If yes I would shut the lights and limit movement around the tank, this will help them calm down, I have seen this type of behavior with new or startled jawfish, once they get used to the tank and build burrows you should see less of this.

 

[ctlegacy]

Yes, it's covered. I even taped around the pipes and cords just to make sure it's sealed. My only fear is that they go through the over flow. We'll see I guess.

 

[snorvich]

Covered with what? Egg crate will NOT keep them in.

 

[ctlegacy]

No. I have a glass top. I even had a special piece made to fit around my overflow. They aren't getting out without going "through" the overflow to my sump.

 

[TripleT]

I'd keep the lights dim, and make sure they have plenty of material to work with to make their burrows.

What size tank, and what other livestock?

You might temporarily cover the sides and front of the tank with cardboard, or tank background, to reduce stress from traffic outside of the tank. It won't be pretty, but could help them settle down.

Did these fish go through QT?

 

[basser1]

I'm not sure keeping the lights dim would help. I have a blue spot jawfish that showed the same thing as your pearlies. But mine actually seemed more active once the moonlights came on than when all lights were on. However, I've noticed he isn't a "hyper" lately now that he's burrowing more. Maybe just give your jawfish to get more comfortable with their surroundings.

 

[ctlegacy]

Yeah, they are mellowed now. They still haven't dug any "homes" yet, but they seemed to have gave up their suicide crusade. The have just been laying under the rock work today.

They are in a 150 gallon tank. Clowns, hippo, rabbit, diamond goby, mandarin, and that's it I think.

 

[Patrick12]

They are very skiddish fish and prone to jumping. In fact, they are very well known for doing so unless acclimated in a very peaceful tank. The blue spots tend to fair a little better in a community tank as they are more bold than pearlies. If you have other larger and more aggressive fish, you may not get the pearlies to eat and they will either do poorly or find a way out. They really should be on of the first fish added. As for recommendations for now......if at all possible, the best scenario is to place the more aggressive fish that seem to be wigging the pearlies out into a rubbermaid with a couple of pieces of LR and a powerhead for a week or so to let the pearlies get acclimated and build their burrows. Then, add the other fish and LR back to the display. If you have fish that intimidate the pearlies, they may suffer from starvation because they rarely eat if stressed. They are awesome fish and can do well in a community tank......but do amazing when placed in tanks of they own.......species tanks. Best of luck and hope you find a solution that works.