Sunburst Anthias strange behavior....

[ShawnSaucier]

My wife and I recently re-aquascaped our tank. All of the kids seem much happier. Our sunburst anthias has really been social since the new scape and we find him joining the gang swimming out in the main viewing area. One thing we have noticed though, it seems to rest on the sand at times. We've observed this several times in the last few days. Is this normal? It will stop in an area and just hang on the substrate, then start swimming again. There are no strange colorations, bloating, lesions or anything giving signs of illness. Eats well and as stated, has been very social. Is it maybe that this is a habit that we've never observed over the last four months due to it normally living in the caves of the old scape?
Water parameters:
Temp:79.9
Ph: 8
Sal. : 1.024
dKH: 9
Ca:380
Mag: 1390

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

How long does it stay there?

 

[ColaAddict]

Some of my anthias lay down on the sand to sleep too

 

[chris13115]

sunbursts like the bottom of the tank, so thats my theory

 

[MIKE NY]

If it's still eating and has good color..I wouldn't worry..although I never observed this behavior with my Sunbursts I have with many of my other anthias. Mine also spend a few hours a day out with the other anthias, but only because they have the security of near by caves...which they should be provided with.

 

[pickupman66]

My Lyretail does the same thing in the mornings before the lights come on. you can see him just swim along and then "take a break" on the sand right up against the glass. He is a very healthy fish so I dont worry about him any longer.

 

[EcoFrags]

sunburst like to rest i have 2 in my 180 mostly anthias and wrasse tank...they will rest on rocks or the sand often however mine are not as social thinking that the other one is out to get him lol

 

[RogerWilco357]

that is one preety fish man I cannot wait to add more fish to my tank but may need to get rid of the big blue hippo he is breaking pieces off my corals and that isn't working for me my pink lemonade has lost two nice pieces of new growth..

 

[ShawnSaucier]

Thank you everyone for your great comments. Sometimes when you see something new and unexpected, you don't want to over-react. The fish are all doing extremely well with the new scape. That is a beautiful Lyretail Pickupman66.

 

[lps1212]

My blotchy does that has done so since day 1 I think it's cool how they just hangout like a day at the beach lol

 

[pickupman66]

Thanks shawn. I got him as a friend had 4 and this one ended up being a sub male so I gladly took over. the change in coloration has stopped. that photo is mediocre. the fish is MUCH brighter than that.