:worried: How long before I should start worrying about my hiding firefish?

[small alien]

Greetings friends. I received a pair of purple firefish from DD on Tuesday. After acclimation, they went straight into the DT. For the first 10-15 minutes, they hid together under the edge of a rock. But then they were out and swimming together in the water column for several hours before they went into a hole under a rock at about 6 PM. I figured they were still on East Coast time.

Wednesday, we saw one of them out a little now and then. Couldn't tell if it was the same one we saw each time or not but we never saw them both together. This morning I left early and nobody was up in the tank so I don't know.

When should I worry? Should I try to lift up the rock they're under to see if they're there? I tend to think not. I pretty much expect to see them in the next day or two but I am concerned a bit. They are so lovely and since it's an m/f pair, it's extra important they both survive. They were both fat and free of blemishes.

Thanks.

 

[Firedog1962]

Leave them olone, mine hid so long I thaught it had died. When they are comfortable they will come out

 

[small alien]

Thanks, Firedog.

 

[Chelsey]

Check the floor. Hope your tank's covered!

 

[yellojello]

I just bought my purple firefish yesterday.

After acclimation, I popped it in, saw her swim around for a few seconds, and then my attention diverted to some maintenance... after that, I could not find her at all!

I started panicking, checking in sump, checking on floor, checking under my shoes!!

Well, all the lights are off, so gonna wait till morning and hopefully she'll be out!

 

[tibob32]

I've heard of people losing a small fish for 6 months only to see it reappear like nothing happened
if it died your CUC should take care of it

 

[bolo7735]

I have a Purple Firetail over a year. They like to hide and I wouldn't worry about them. Even till this day my Firetail will disappear for a few days before he reappears. As long they look healthy and are eating you are fine.

 

[michealprater]

I have a cleaner wrasse that takes days off. He will be gone for 2 days, then just reappear. I can never figure it out because he is such a fearless fish, nothing scares him. I just figure he is a really long napper!

 

[small alien]

thanks all. no, they're not on the floor and, yes, the lid is tight fitting.

your tales of hiding make me feel better. I saw one for a moment yesterday evening so at least one is alive. I hope to see them soon. They are absolutely stunning! I'll post some pictures when they come out.

thanks. paul

 

[yellojello]

I can't find mine. Probably buried underneath rock and sand.

Researching a little more, many people have this problem. Just a waiting game now.

 

[small alien]

Indeed. Keep it mellow, yellojello.

I hope mine come out soon. I miss my fish!

 

[snorvich]

Your clownfish may intimidate them. they are very easily intimidated.

 

[small alien]

Thanks. I'm sure that is possible.

My clowns are ORA nakeds and they are just extremely docile and maybe a bit dumb from all the breeding from what I have seen in the year I've had them. I am prepared to remove them if they become aggressive but right now, they just swim around with everybody else. My cardinal is the boss if anyone is.

The firefish were out and about for the first couple hours in the tank and the clowns paid no attention to them. The blenny and rainford's checked them out but that was it. I don't think the clowns are intimidating them. Not yet anyway.

Thanks for the response.

 

[small alien]

They're alive!

They're alive!

Saw them both tonight. How delightful. Both ate. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow.

 

[cee]

Mine hides all the time (about a year now) and only comes out briefly to eat).

 

[small alien]

Cool avatar, Cee. What other fish do you have in there?