Fish took a beating and now won't come out

[DracoKat]

I've had my trio of barred zebra dart fish for almost a year now. they were always out in the open, swimming together.

about 2-3 weeks ago, one of them took a beating. Chunks of fins and tail missing, small wound on the side. I have no idea which fish beat her up- could be my clown, bristletooth, flame hawkfish.. I don't know. Since then, she's been hiding under the rocks. I see her poke her head out at feeding time, but she will not come out. It's been 2-3 weeks since she's been out in the open. Rarely she'd come out long enough to eat.. I am worried she's getting skinny and not eating, I can't tell from where she's hiding.

No way I can take her out to put her in QT without breaking down my rocks.

Anything I can do for her? will it take time for her to regain confidence to come out? I hope she's getting some food at least.

 

[DSC reef]

What about turning off all flow and trying to suck up a little food in a baster and squirt it in the area where the fish is hiding? I'd try that while the other fish are eating as a distraction.

 

[DracoKat]

thats a good idea. I will give that a shot

I will be going away next week. makes me more worried!

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

thats a good idea. I will give that a shot

I will be going away next week. makes me more worried!

If you have someone to watch the tank while you are gone, you can show them how to do what @DSC reef said.

 

[DracoKat]

I'm honestly not sure if I want someone sticking their hand in my tank. my fish are jumpers, I don't even want her removing the lid. I am that paranoid, lol.

I'll see how the fish does by then. if she shows no signs of eating, I may have to let my petsitter do so