Help! Blotched Anthias problems

[Rookie J]

So I ordered one of these Anthias at the LFS I work at and I'm having some problems with it. It came in Thursday night. It really doesn't swim around much and I haven't seen it eat yet either. I've looked through some threads and found that it takes a little while for them to get used to the tank. But after a day or two most fish are out swimming. Can anyone give me some advice.

 

[Eienna]

So I ordered one of these Anthias at the LFS I work at and I'm having some problems with it. It came in Thursday night. It really doesn't swim around much and I haven't seen it eat yet either. I've looked through some threads and found that it takes a little while for them to get used to the tank. But after a day or two most fish are out swimming. Can anyone give me some advice.

Deep water anthias acclimate to captivity better if the lights are dimmed and brought up only as they become comfortable; bright reef lighting is highly foreign to them. You will most likely have to use live food for a while, too. Try nutramar ova, as well, as it (being eggs) looks very natural to fish in general and plankton-eaters especially. Watch closely to make sure nobody's keeping him in the hole.

 

[Rookie J]

That's the thing he is in a tank that has T5s so they are on or off. I'm going to get some live brine to see if he will eat that. I tried frozen mysis, small live ghost shrimp without any luck. He isn't getting bothered by any of the tangs. They just leave home alone. I did get him to come out for a little today but stayed very close to the side of the tank. This is a picture of him in the sectioned off part of the tank.

 

[Eienna]

Live baby brine and some rockwork to hide in would probably go a long way. He probably feels very exposed at the moment. Even a simple cave decoration would be helpful. Then, if you squirt food by the mouth of the cave, he should feel more comfortable poking his nose out to get it.

I notice that my anthias ignore food that isn't being blown around by the powerheads, just as a side note.

 

[rock_lobster]

whoa neat fish which type is he?

 

[seargentslice]

Awesome fish gratz!!

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

Maybe have your T5's off for the next couple of days with just ambient room light.

 

[Steveowhits]

My Borbonius anthias hides all the time. He loves frozen fish eggs and arcticpods. After a few weeks he started eating everything. You should give him a PVC tube or rock work to hide in. As mentioned this fish is a deepwater specimen so your tank lights will be stressful. The live food is a great idea. Good luck

 

[Rookie J]

Thanks for all the advice. When I got to work he was out of the sectioned part just hanging out.

 

[rock_lobster]

whoa neat fish which type is he?

HA IM an idiot the species is blotched at first reading I assumed that was the problem

 

[Eienna]

Thanks for all the advice. When I got to work he was out of the sectioned part just hanging out.

A good start

 

[Rookie J]

Right. He is starting to warm up to things.

 

[Aquaph8]

He will get better and better, they really are like sad little scared puppies, haha

 

[Rookie J]

Haha. Thing is I have to go through this again when I take him home.

 

[Eienna]

Haha. Thing is I have to go through this again when I take him home.

Just be sure to get a few good meals in his belly before you move him.

 

[Rookie J]

That was the plan. Going to keep him there for a week or so before taking him home. I can't wait.

 

[Eienna]

That was the plan. Going to keep him there for a week or so before taking him home. I can't wait.

I know how you feel. I LOVE anthias!!

Just be super-sure your top fits snugly and is heavy enough that a fish can't knock it out of the way. Both my Bartletts could be Olympic athletes - a good two and a half feet straight up from a still start!! Scared the life out of me...I was terrified that they might be hurt. Elation to sick-with-worry in about two seconds flat >.< learn from my mistake and cover your acclimation bucket. They're fine, but I could have done without the heart attack they gave me.

 

[Rookie J]

I'm just excited because it's the only one in the state . Who runs lids lol. He currently is in a 6x4 rimless at the shop. I haven't had lids on my tank for a year or so with out any problems.

 

[Eienna]

I'm just excited because it's the only one in the state . Who runs lids lol. He currently is in a 6x4 rimless at the shop. I haven't had lids on my tank for a year or so with out any problems.

Good luck... :/

 

[Rookie J]

He should be fine. I haven't had anything just jump out.