Venustus Advice Please ....

[ca1ore]

I have a Venustus Angel in my 30L invert QT tank (because it has lots of live rock). It's been in there for a number of months and is eating very well. But the thing is still afraid of its own shadow, and I am unsure what to do.

For folks who have successfully kept this fish, how did you acclimate a post-QT Venustus into your main display? I have two choices, either my main 265 display or my 90 FOWLR/grow out tank. Former has a pretty active fish population, including a flame and potters angel (though the V is bigger than both) and I'm concerned the Venustus will just hide. Latter has a much more mellow fish population, but is much more open and has a lot less rock. Tis a dilemma ....

 

[o2manyfish]

Venustus are not an outgoing open water fish. I have 3 of them in my 400 and catching sight of all 3 of them at once is pretty difficult. One is a little more visible than the other two, but it's definitely not an open water fish. I have had Venustus on and off for over 15 years, and they like hiding in the caves most of the time.

Dave B

 

[Toddrtrex]

IME, they do a bit better with other fish --- dither fish if you will --- to make them feel safer.

My current one (( was part of a pair, but the larger one never ate )), is out and about about 50% of the time. It is currently in a 75 (( waiting on my 210 to be fully ready, couple more weeks )), with a flameback angel, yellow tang, sailfin blenny and a orange stripe goby.

The one I had prior to this one (( jumped, without me knowing it, when I had the top off for a water change )), was out most of the time. Its last 2 years was in a 40 breeder with a pair of clowns (( Occ. and Perc )), Banggai cardinal, and the last time fish listed above. Prior to that tank, it was in a 58 with 2 other dwarfs (( Coral beauty and multicolored )), and it was out a lot less.

Seems like there is a fine line between making them feel safe with fish, and not having them be too shy because of the fish.

 

[aquaph8]

Mine gave me the same fears but once settled he's out all the time. My lavender tang and regal angel gave him a little grief but he held his own pretty well. I did use an acclimation box for 3 days before I released him.

 

[Ambition]

My pair of multibar angelfish were the first fish added to the 65g they were housed in. Both were out all of the time, and I didn't have a ton of rock but enough for some hiding and places to sleep. A pair of percula clowns were added about a month after them (had lost the smaller of the pair by this time), and the remaining angel continued to be out and about all the time. Constantly begged for food when I came in the room or the room lights were turned on. However, I did note that after getting my light fixture running, it took the fish a couple of days to adjust to SPS reef lighting.

 

[ca1ore]

Thanks chaps, very helpful. I would prefer to put it into the big tank, and I do use an acclimation/socialization box, so that will be the approach I take.

 

[ca1ore]

So, after having my Venusta in QT for three months I decided to move it into the main display. It was always very twitchy. Ate well, but almost never was out swimming about. It's been over a month since it went into the 265 display and I have yet to catch a glimpse of it at all - nothing! I'm assuming it's toast at this point. Any of you chaps with this fish think there's any reason to be optimistic at all?

 

[o2manyfish]

Absolutely!~~ There is still hope. This past week I was feeding black worms. 3 Venustus in my tank and for 4 days, I could only catch a glimpse of the small one. Then last night - Bam all 3 out at once.

I have a pair of Golden Angels, after my last crash it took over a year before one photobombed a photo and surprised me. And then a few month later the smaller one makes a brief appearance.

A good healthy tank has lots of places for cryptic fish to hide and thrive where they are most comfortable.

Keeping up the faith

Dave B

 

[ca1ore]

Thanks Dave, most encouraging. I shall remain vigilant. Since I have anthias and feed the tank a ton, it's not unrealistic that food gets behind the rocks.

 

[BlueMac92]

I mean, they are cave dwelling fish in the wild. Mine was very shy at first, but i believe it was just her stressed from shipping. I got lucky though, she ate with gusto from the beginning and was very outgoing after the initial acclimation. Actually put the smack down on a large potters that wouldn't quit pestering...funny stuff!

 

[Dmorty217]

I hope she shows back up for you Simon, nothing worse than QTing a fish for a few months to have it go into the DT to never be seen again.