fish acting weird.. help!!

[kamuii]

if i go buy a shrimp and maybe some coral/more rock do you guys think he'll be okay? has anyone ever experienced this before?

like the best way i can explain his behavior is that he looks 'lost'? he's out and swimming but only on one side of the tank.. and it also looks like his floating up and he's darting back down but just gently..

 

[kamuii]

here's some pics of him rn

 

[kamuii]

also excuse the dirty glass.. did a water change and things got a little messy

 

[melypr1985]

Firefish are flighty as I said. Adding more rock will add more hiding places which should help him feel more comfortable. It doesn't sound like he's ill or anything, just a bit stressed. Of course, most fish will be stressed in a new environment and it may take some time before they get comfortable.

 

[leahfiish]

Firefish can be very skittish sometimes. My advice is to turn the lights off and leave him alone. Try to limit activity around the tank. He should settle in.

 

[GHsaltie]

For a single shy fish like these guys it's not uncommon behavior. And you have to think about it from the fish's perspective, if there aren't any other fish around then that must mean there is a predator.

 

[kamuii]

i'm gonna go get some liverock tomorrow and i'll get a shrimp, thanks for all the advice!! i'll update when i get shrimp and rock

 

[Adam113]

Are you saying the tank has only been up for a week? Way too early for a fish if that is the case.

 

[kamuii]

Are you saying the tank has only been up for a week? Way too early for a fish if that is the case.

no i've had the fish for a week, but my tank has been up for 2 months

 

[cloudisback1997]

he's staying at the top and running himself through the sand!! i'm WORRIED!! help

Not enough surface agitation. Maybe add a airstone. He is probably chilling at the top cause he is having trouble breathing. Just my guess. From the picture provided it looks like the surface of the water is not moving.