Purple Firefish

[Mr_Cool]

Got this guy on Saturday. I acclimated him for about 3 hours and then put him in the tank. He went directly to the bottom by some live rock, and then found a little cave under the rock. He's been there ever since. I can see him when I shine a flashlight in there. Sometimes I see his head. Other times I see his tail. How long should I wait until I start to worry? Nobody in the tank even had a chance to bother him. So, what's the deal?

[seamonkey2]

I got 7 in my tank and they do that, I have only seen them all together twice, for the most part they pick a rock and hide for a while, they all do come out to eat, but not at the same time, so it will be fine, just let him relax get his bearings and I'll come out and play in time

Jose

[Rottluvntxn]

Most of the literature I have read state that firefish are known to be timid hence the long fin like triggers that way they can get up in holes in the live rock and hide and be really hard to get out..my experience is the same they like to hide but come out during feeding time..from what I have read they are a schooling fish as well so they may do better in groups and they are very inexpensive as well...so patience is good

[blueboy]

very inexpensive? he said PURPLE firefish. $30-40 a piece is not my idea of a cheap fish, but it's true that they prefer schools, and normally take awhile to get comfortable in a tank. having several does help to build their confidence.

[Rottluvntxn]

well the three I bought were $16.00 a piece from a LFS in Round Rock

[Mr_Cool]

O'kay, I won't worry. But, how will he know when it's feeding time? I guess he'll smell the brine shrimp, etc. I'm seen that garlic helps to encourage an appetite. Should I give that a try?

[fishcrazy]

I put one in my tank about two weeks ago and he did the same thing, hid under a rock. He was there for about a week then I moved the rock, now he is comfortable in the tank and stays in plain view.

[Mr_Cool]

Thanks fishcrazy! You are a GENIUS!

I moved the rock last night, and he obviusly moved. When I put the rock back, he just kind of hung out in the corner near the rock. Every so often, he would go back under, but he would come back out and hang in the corner. Tonight, though, he is out swimming up front and eating flakes. Very cool.