Acantho is getting stressed because firefish is using it as a burrow

[Mr. Acantho]

Acantho doesn't like it

It's showing its mesenteric filaments & texture has changed. Looks like a messy hairday

Still opening and showing tentacles

Should I just remove the firefish?

f

 

[shcrimps]

move the coral, if you move it maybe 2-3 times even if it isn’t that far the firefish will usually make a new burrow on its own somewhere that isn’t disturbed as much
worked for me with my firefish and bubble coral

 

[Mr. Acantho]

The issue is I have multiple acanthos, cynarinas, and indophyllia on the sand bed so real estate is limited

And idk if they would choose another meat coral

 

[VintageReefer]

Is the firefish new addition?

 

[Mr. Acantho]

Yes, a pair.

1 month

 

[VintageReefer]

What if you lift the acantho and flatten the cave and put it back. Maybe If you keep disturbing the cave, the firefish will pick a new spot

My firefish doesn’t burrow, he picked a spot in the rocks thankfully.

Or you can get these acantho stands. I just picked up 3 of them. (Green acantho is on an angled stand, the red acantho and lobo are on straight stands)

 

[VintageReefer]

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[TeamAquaSD Verified Sponsor]

What if you lift the acantho and flatten the cave and put it back. Maybe If you keep disturbing the cave, the firefish will pick a new spot

My firefish doesn’t burrow, he picked a spot in the rocks thankfully.

Or you can get these acantho stands. I just picked up 3 of them. (Green acantho is on an angled stand, the red acantho and lobo are on straight stands)

Thats a great idea

 

[Mr. Acantho]

Cool stands, but I prefer the natural look of them in the sand

But I also like my firefish

Tough decision

 

[Mr. Acantho]

Update: Kept the firefish & acantho after 2 months

I still see stress (the acantho on the left), but it's still opening, eating, and great coloration.

And the hielfrichi firefish are cool and adds personality to the tank with their burrowing.

 

[Mr. Acantho]

With filter