Hippo Tang

[Mr_Cool]

I got a nice sized Hippo tang recently. I know they tend to be shy, and will hide in the rockwork/caves. But, this one is in his rock all day long. He really only comes out to eat. Tonight I saw him come out and swim up by my coral banded shrimp as if he were a cleaner shrimp. He did it three times (that I saw).

Should I be worried about him? Or, is he really just a little slow? Maybe it's a girl and I've foung the REAL Dory.

Also, is there any way to coax him out of the rock more? It's actually a really neat piece. It's pretty flat on the bottom, and has an arch built in so that it looks kind of like a basket. I have it turned upward, though, so that the flat part is to the back of the tank. This way, he just slides in and out. If we can post MPEGS here, I'll do it.

[Ed]

He should get bolder as he becomes used to his new surroundings. Sometimes it takes a while. As long as he is eating, I wouldn't worry too much. HTH.

[Mr_Cool]

Cool. He's eating just fine. I also got a Yellow Eye Kole tang at the same time. He would hide all the time, too. He seems to have adjusted better, though.

Can they (the fish) see us? I know that sounds stupid. After all, it is a GLASS aquarium. But I swear they go and hide whenever I walk in the room. It's like I have to sneek in there when they're not looking and sit down really quick. Then, I can't really move around too much or I'll scare them into hiding again. Anyone else have to do this?

[Ed]

That is all very normal. They will get used to you eventually and be out in the open more. It just takes time. Feeding them about the same time each day should also help them adjust.

[crossxfire2]

I wouldn't worry about it at all. Yes, fish can do more than see people. They can regognize different people! Give it a couple of weeks, and the fish should definatly be fine. Don't sneak in there to see him, because you want to expose yourself to the fish so he can see you, and find out that you wont harm him. Don't sneak in there otherwise he will never get used to you! Hope this helps!