Why are my Anthias hiding?

[reeferdeefer]

I have 4 Bartlets in a 60g hex. One has been the runt for several months, kind of a scaredy fish. I also have a Helfrichi. Recently, I added a Coral Beauty. I haven't noticed any aggression whatsoever.

About a month after adding the Coral Beauty, I noted two light brown patches on the runt Anthias that was leaning against a rock on the sand bed. The fish died, but the weird thing is. When the runt was sick and now even after its dead, the other three Anthias almost always hide in the rocks, but the Coral Beauty and Helfrichi swim around like normal.

Hmmm, does anyone know what's going on? Thanks for reading this.

 

[Marshall O]

Sounds like aggression to me, from the Coral Beauty. You would need to sit and watch the tank all day to catch a glimpse of it, but I am betting the aggression is there.

On a side note, a 60 Hex is likely not the best size tank for big swimmers like Anthias. No idea if that is part of the problem or not, just pointing it out.

 

[reeferdeefer]

Thanks Marshall

I think you are right on both accounts.

 

[reeferdeefer]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks Marshall

I think you are right on both accounts.

 

[o2manyfish]

I have a group of Dispar in my 400g tank. They have been in the tank for close to 2 years. There are 2 males in the group (8 fish total). It's 50/50 when I come up to the tank whether they are out or hanging in the rock work.

I can sometimes spot them in the rock with a flash light, and they like to stay in caves they find.


When I have dove with Anthias in the wild I have always found them in huge schools inside caves (and hanging out upside down from the top).

If they are all eating and look fat and healthy when they are out, then I would not be worried about them spending time in the rocks.

Dave B

 

[reeferdeefer]

Cool, thanks Dave