How long should I wait for new goby to appear before declaring it dead?

[Tbg299]

Monday this week I bought an diamond orange spotted goby from my LFS. They have really healthy fish. They are all from ORA, and then quarantined for 2 weeks before being placed into display tanks. I brought the goby home, drip acclimated him for 45 minutes, then put him in. He sat on the sandbed for a while, them disappeared under the rocks. Monday night was the last time I've seen him. On Wednesday, I saw some burrows in the sand under the live rock that definitely weren't there before. Yesterday, I thoroughly checked the overflow, sump, and EVERY possible nook and cranny in the room that he could have jumped and died under. I'm certain that he's still hiding under the rocks somewhere. I have nearly 100 lbs of live rock, so it's impossible to remove it all to search for him. How long should I wait to assume he's dead?

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

This game can go on for weeks

 

[flashsmith]

He's in there. Be patient.

 

[Keywest99]

They are very shy. I've got two Gobies and they are never out unless its feeding time. I didn't see either for about four days when I first got them

 

[PeterEde]

Certainly not like my Banded Sleeper. He's out and about digging holes under every rock.
Hope you're come out soon.

 

[boacvh]

I have given up mine for dead for 6months plus, just to see him come out again.

 

[mehaffydr]

I have had mine MIA for weeks at a time and then one day surprise there he is? Just be patient

 

[PeterEde]

Big tank means less visibility

 

[Tbg299]

Thanks for all of the responses. I was ready to buy another goby if I didn't see him by tomorrow. I will wait a few more weeks.

 

[Tamberav]

Monday this week I bought an diamond orange spotted goby from my LFS. They have really healthy fish. They are all from ORA, and then quarantined for 2 weeks before being placed into display tanks. I brought the goby home, drip acclimated him for 45 minutes, then put him in. He sat on the sandbed for a while, them disappeared under the rocks. Monday night was the last time I've seen him. On Wednesday, I saw some burrows in the sand under the live rock that definitely weren't there before. Yesterday, I thoroughly checked the overflow, sump, and EVERY possible nook and cranny in the room that he could have jumped and died under. I'm certain that he's still hiding under the rocks somewhere. I have nearly 100 lbs of live rock, so it's impossible to remove it all to search for him. How long should I wait to assume he's dead?

Neither the diamond watchman or orange spotted shrimp goby are listed as bred by ORA.

Anywho... since you have so much rock. You may not see him for weeks. I have had fish yolo pop up after 6 months.

 

[Current Tides]

Monday this week I bought an diamond orange spotted goby from my LFS. They have really healthy fish. They are all from ORA, and then quarantined for 2 weeks before being placed into display tanks. I brought the goby home, drip acclimated him for 45 minutes, then put him in. He sat on the sandbed for a while, them disappeared under the rocks. Monday night was the last time I've seen him. On Wednesday, I saw some burrows in the sand under the live rock that definitely weren't there before. Yesterday, I thoroughly checked the overflow, sump, and EVERY possible nook and cranny in the room that he could have jumped and died under. I'm certain that he's still hiding under the rocks somewhere. I have nearly 100 lbs of live rock, so it's impossible to remove it all to search for him. How long should I wait to assume he's dead?

at least a few months, I've had multiple gobies that were missing for extended periods of times suddenly reappear

 

[Rmckoy]

Not too sure if they are nocturnal but seeing new caves could be a sign he’s still there .

you will eventually see something stirring up the sand .
but I’d expect him to hide for awhile …

 

[Chrisv.]

I had a high fin goby disappear for a full month. It was the only fish in the tank.

 

[Tbg299]

Neither the diamond watchman or orange spotted shrimp goby are listed as bred by ORA.

Anywho... since you have so much rock. You may not see him for weeks. I have had fish yolo pop up after 6 months.

I'm not sure where they get their fish. I assumed it was ORA since they said all of the fish they order are vet checked before being shipped from the facility.

 

[Tamberav]

I'm not sure where they get their fish. I assumed it was ORA since they said all of the fish they order are vet checked before being shipped from the facility.

vet checked? lol that is a new one...

I don't believe anyone has captive bred them. I don't know what they mean by vet check but it sounds like a load of bull.

It is a hardy fish though so if they had it two weeks and it was eating and looking good at the store, then it's probably just hiding.