Jumping gobies and weird behavior

[lba4590]

I have a “bonded” pair of aurora gobies that I’ve had for about 2.5 months now. Bonded is in quotes because they are not bonded from what I can see, however I’ve never seen them fight. They typically stay on opposite ends of the tank. The larger one is usually out and about begging for food when he sees me. The smaller one is always hiding. However, it’s worth noting that I have a pistol shrimp with a MASSIVE cave that both gobies avoid.. I do hear him snap a lot so no idea if the gobies have tried and the shrimp won’t allow them in. Anyway, just a generally weird situation.. I was imagining a happy little pair of gobies with their pistol shrimp friend but that’s clearly not the case lol.

Every SINGLE night when the lights ramp down, I hear flailing and look over to see a goby trying to jump out. I have a eurobraced tank with a canopy (mesh opening at the top) and absolutely no way out, but they sure do try. I’ve confirmed both of them are doing this. Based on their weird behavior, I’m assuming they are stressed? Or is this just perfectly normal? None of my fish bother them at all and they eat well. Tank is 120g and plenty big enough for them. Any ideas?

 

[ReefRy]

Have you tried using a voltage meter to make sure there are no stray currents? Maybe something kicks on after the main light dims, like a fuge light or pump?

 

[PanchoG]

Sorry to hear about this, definitely they are stressed even if your tank is large there is someone or something targeting them otherwise they wouldn't try to jump. I would recommend to re-home the smallest one and continue to observe the other one to check if the behaviors change.

The new home for the little one must have a cover to avoid him to jump to his death.

 

[ReefRy]

Also, is there anything else that can access the gobies? A fish or invert that wants use of their cave once the lights go out? Something is scaring or hurting them.

 

[PanchoG]

Also, is there anything else that can access the gobies? A fish or invert that wants use of their cave once the lights go out? Something is scaring or hurting them.

That is a very good point, any large worm? you may try a trap to check this as well.

 

[lba4590]

Also, is there anything else that can access the gobies? A fish or invert that wants use of their cave once the lights go out? Something is scaring or hurting them.

No stray voltage, but the fuge pump and light do come on when the lights ramp down. They ramp down over the course of 2 hours though, but that’s definitely something to look at.

No big bristle worms or bad guys in the tank. I do have a royal gramma that sleeps near where the smaller goby hides, in the same big rock, but I haven’t noticed any aggression from the gramma towards the gobies. It’s just really weird! I feel bad that something is stressing them though!

 

[ReefRy]

I know the feeling. It sounds like you're doing what you can and, at the least, monitoring the situation. If the behavior continues I'd consider rehoming them. If that isn't an option hopefully they'll figure it out themselves. Fish are resilient to a point. And stressful sometimes.

 

[lba4590]

Well it’s about 10:30pm here lights have been out for a while and the big one literally just tried jumping again! All the other fish are tucked into their sleeping spots.

Thankfully they both seem very healthy otherwise but i will keep an eye out and if this continues I will definitely try rehoming one or both

 

[Calm Blue Ocean]

Just stumbled across this thread. Crazy thing, I have a nearly identical problem. Lights go off and one of my gobies goes crazy and has jumped once (through 1/8" mesh). If I leave the moonlights on it's fine, but total darkness seems to cause total panic. The other goby seems fine. Really weird.

 

[lba4590]

Just stumbled across this thread. Crazy thing, I have a nearly identical problem. Lights go off and one of my gobies goes crazy and has jumped once (through 1/8" mesh). If I leave the moonlights on it's fine, but total darkness seems to cause total panic. The other goby seems fine. Really weird.

Well mine have finally stopped with the jumping. It was super weird but I guess they were stressed and now they’re fine. Haven’t seen them try to jump in about a month now so hopefully yours are just adjusting

 

[Calm Blue Ocean]

Well mine have finally stopped with the jumping. It was super weird but I guess they were stressed and now they’re fine. Haven’t seen them try to jump in about a month now so hopefully yours are just adjusting

That's great to hear. I was so surprised to find someone else who had a goby who couldn't seem to handle the dark! I've had my gobies a little over a month now so maybe they are ready for another try with lights out.