Goby escape artist, RIP

[jeffchapok]

Somehow my diamond goby jumped out overnight with my tank completely closed. The only opening is where the HOB and heater passes through. Is this unusual? I can't imagine he could have enough force to knock the lid open, and everything was closed when I found him.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

All fish can jump but Gobies and Wrasses are known for finding the smallest of openings. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Captain Quint]

Sorry for your loss. I really am.

The cutout for the HOB is small to us, but to that little fella, it probably looked like the barn door was open.

 

[jeffchapok]

Thanks! He was a new addition (2 days) and I spent a very enjoyable hour yesterday watching him dig that burrow. I want to get another, but I'm kind of gun shy now. This is a new tank and my first foray into saltwater.

 

[kichimark]

Years back I once had a flame angel jump out of a cad light artesian 2, the ones with the glass covers but with the thumb sized openings to remove the panel. Was not a good day (especially for her).

Sorry about your goby.

 

[Captain Quint]

Thanks! He was a new addition (2 days) and I spent a very enjoyable hour yesterday watching him dig that burrow. I want to get another, but I'm kind of gun shy now. This is a new tank and my first foray into saltwater.

*Ouch* Most have us have at some point had a carpet surfer. I know I have. Just the slightest opening is all it takes. I've had some similar to yours and I would use eggcrate, plastic, black hard netting, and several other things including sponge cut to fit to try to stop this kind of tragedy.

Don't be gun shy. Just think outside the box and I bet you can make it bulletproof.

 

[Jesterrace]

All fish can jump but Gobies and Wrasses are known for finding the smallest of openings. Sorry for your loss.

Yup unfortunately it's not uncommon. I have a similar top on my 90 gallon and I had a DWG find a way into my overflow (no way he would get in there without the cover being lifted a bit.

 

[RazorD]

I’ve lost everyone that I’ve tried to own the same way with the smallest of openings. New tank and new lid style almost ready to try again, but not optimistic. These fish a truly amazing at escaping.

Sorry