Purple Firefish in QT

[Lurch72]

So, one week ago I put a Bangaii and a purple firefish in QT. My qt is a 20L with a couple pieces of PVC pipe for hiding spots. The Bangaii is out swimming most of the time, only hides if you make fast movements near the tank. The firefish however stays constantly wedged behind/under a piece of PVC. They both eat mysis very well and when the firefish does come out to eat it looks fine to me. Swims well, normal breathing etc. I'm wondering if it just doesn't have enough cover to feel safe enough to come out? Should I put anything else in there for it? I fear the lack of ever moving from that spot will be detrimental to it over the weeks it will be in quarantine. Any suggestions?

 

[Michael Gray]

if hes eating i wouldnt stress over it. but im new to this. i have 7 fish in my QT starting tuesday. raising copper now.

i have a firefish that swims around in open most of the time. but none really are eating. i tried mysis yesterday, today im going to try frozen formula one. but if hes eating i wouldnt freak out.

 

[Katrina71]

Firefish are shy at first.

 

[CarrieB]

Normal for firefish, in my experience. They are very timid for a week or two after being scared. He may start coming out when you aren’t around.

I put a dark towel over one side of the QT tank to provide a sense of security.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Firefish rarely come out even when in the tank long term. In trios, they seem to be more active than hiding.
the fact that it comes out for food expresses shyness rather than stress. Do caution that once it goes into display tank (DT), they are avid jumpers.

 

[Tiger Brown]

vetteguy is spot on with his answer, these fish are beautiful, but hide most of the time, at least in my experience.

 

[Lurch72]

Thanks for the replies. I've been seeing her more and more the last couple days. She has started hanging out in the PVC and seems more comfortable now.

 

[Katrina71]

My firefish is out all the time, but I have only small fish.

 

[Idoc]

My exquisite firesfish hides in a rock hole all day and really only comes out to feed... and back in his hole as soon as something spooks him. Very timid fish.

I think yours is fine... especially if eating. Seems he's found the place he likes for safety.

 

[vetteguy53081]

great to hear its playing Pee-Ka-Boo

 

[Lurch72]

Update: She made it through QT just fine and has been in the DT for a couple days. She found or made a cave under a rock in the corner and hangs out there. She let's us watch her and only darts in to her lair when the clownfish cruise through. She seems so much happier now and is out if the lights are on. Hopefully she will extend her range in the tank as she settles in

 

[eternalsea]

Looking good. They r a neat fish glad is came out well.

 

[Lurch72]

Just like that, she's okay with the clownfish. All three of them were hanging out in the corner last night. She even swam around in the front of the tank for about 5 minutes.