Disappearing Dartfish Question

patsheridan · Jan 9, 2017

So I bought a 2-3" Dartfish three months ago. Took him about two or three days to get comfortable, and since then he as shown himself regularly on a daily basis for feeding, and cruising. I've got a 70g mixed reef, with a couple clowns, a Spotted Bristletooth Tang, couple wrasses, Lawnmower Blenny, couple cleaner shrimp, and a paired Watchman Goby/Pistol Shrimp.

I really like what this Dartfish added to the tank personality-wise, so about 6 weeks ago I added two more slightly larger Dartfish, putting them into the tank late in the evening - never saw them again, not once.

About two weeks ago I bought one more, hoping it would take to the tank - again, never saw him once added.

My question is: are one or more of these guys possibly still alive and well? I have looked around the outside of the tank to see if they have jumped (I have egg-crate on the top of the tank) and have not seen any carcasses. The one original Dartifsh is doing great, as usual. But no sign of the three added since.

Love to get any thought on this. Thanks!

ChiCity · Jan 9, 2017

These can be very timid and reclusive fish...
I'd give it a couple of weeks, I'm sure they're alive

eatbreakfast · Jan 9, 2017

It is possible they are still alive, they can hide for awhile, especially if larger active fish in the tank.

It is also possible that they are not alive. Eggcrate is an ineffective deterrent to dartfish jumping. If they did within the tank, their remains would be gone within a day.

Having an established, bolder dartfish usually helps brimg other dartfish out.

patsheridan · Jan 9, 2017

My main question is: If I never see them, especially during feeding time, is it possible for them to get enough food to sustain for weeks and months?

eatbreakfast · Jan 9, 2017

patsheridan said:
My main question is: If I never see them, especially during feeding time, is it possible for them to get enough food to sustain for weeks and months?

Yes, quite possible for there to be enough food to sustain them. There are all sorts of microfauna in a reef.

Coastie Reefer · Jan 9, 2017

patsheridan said:
My main question is: If I never see them, especially during feeding time, is it possible for them to get enough food to sustain for weeks and months?

YES. I had a purple firefish in a 10g and didn't see him for nearly 2.5 weeks. Then all of the sudden he started venturing out more and more. They are very timid sometimes. I wouldn't add any more... you'll end up with a school of darts. Give it time. Unless there's something in there like a crab that's killing them in the rocks or a fish that's beating the crap out of them... I'd geuss they're all still alive.