What are these chromis doing?

[jdogclif]

I have a group of about 16 chromis in a 270 gallon, and they have been fine, swimming together in a shoal since they were added about 5 months ago. Now two of them are doing something odd: they are both parked in different areas, staring at the rock. It's like they think they are hiding, like how little kids cover their eyes and say "you can't see me!"

What you see in the photos is exactly where they have both been for about 3 days. They haven't moved at all. But they are still swimming in place, little fins a-flapping. Any thoughts as to why they would be doing this? I haven't noticed any aggression among the group. Maybe they are in time out? Their bellies look a little thin. I thought with the larger tank they would fare okay, but maybe it is the beginning of the end of my happy chromis group...

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Is it possible they are guarding eggs?

 

[jdogclif]

Is it possible they are guarding eggs?

Hmm, that would be awesome if they were happy enough to lay eggs. I didn't think of that, I'll have to investigate when I get home tonight.

 

[Maritimer]

Chromis eggs will be hard to spot on rockwork; they look like a sprinkling of fine sugar. You'd know by the fish's behaviour - they'll move over the area where the eggs are (called a "plaque"), fanning with their fins to remove detritus and improve oxygenation.

~Bruce

 

[jdogclif]

I like this theory; it makes me feel better about their behavior. There is a 3rd one doing it now. They are all flapping their fins vigorously, just staring at the rock. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!!

 

[BootyPup]

A lot of fish, after laying eggs will stare at the area where the eggs are so it's a possibility.

 

[blueface]

I would bet they’re being bullied & hiding.

 

[Deinonych]

I agree with the possibility of laying eggs. Can you post a video of the behavior? My female Blue Reef Chromis has laid eggs a couple of times.

 

[jdogclif]

I agree with the possibility of laying eggs. Can you post a video of the behavior? My female Blue Reef Chromis has laid eggs a couple of times.

Sorry I was out of town and missed the last couple of posts! I suspected bullying as well since that has been my greatest fear since getting the group. I have not witnessed any aggression still, but maybe they just stop when I come into the room, like my kids do sometimes... I will try to get a video, as of last night there was just one left that was doing it, the others have stopped and are back to swimming around with the rest of them.

 

[larangcon]

Wow! You lucky guy, I too hope they are guarding their eggs, that's what it looks like in the picture. Aggression is easy to spot, a lot of chasing and hiding. They are looking in instead of looking out from inside the rocks. I definitely think there's eggs there

 

[jdogclif]

Here's a quick video...

 

[jdogclif]

Wow that was really bad video quality... I'll try again when I get home tonight...

 

[Kmsutows]

They look really skinny so I'll bet they're being picked off. Smallest ones of the group? I had 3 in my 150 gal for a year and then I found eggs and a few weeks later the one is missing