Where's my sailfin?

pseudorand · Jul 4, 2020

How can I get my sailfin blenny to come out -- if he's still alive?

About two months ago I added a sailfin blenny to my 120g with two clarkii clowns, two firefish, one three-stripe damsel and a Royal Gramma. I saw him a few times over the next few days, but not since. Prior to adding him, I quarantined for 6 weeks. He looked fine the whole time.

I'd declared him dead of unknown causes, but today my 7 year old said he saw him. The 7 year old is very imaginative a knows it would make me happy to know the sailfin is still alive, so I'm not sure if I believe him.

I know somebody will suggest nori tied to a rock. I did that in QT, and I never saw him eat it. I bet he did, but if I never saw it in a mostly bare QT, I doubt I'll see it in my DT with tons of live rock.

Any ideas for how to confirm if he's alive or not?

Tahoe61 · Jul 4, 2020

In a 120 gallon you should have seen the Sailfin by now and the fish should be out and about during feedings.

pseudorand · Jul 4, 2020

Not the answer I wanted. But that's the answer I was expecting.

Can anyone give me a sense of false hope instead? Or at least some hypothesis about why he might have died.

Timmtom49 · Jul 4, 2020

False hope is he is still around .. when my copper band dissappear for a few days turned into forever fast lol sorry

Deezill · Jul 4, 2020

pseudorand said:
Not the answer I wanted. But that's the answer I was expecting.

Can anyone give me a sense of false hope instead? Or at least some hypothesis about why he might have died.

if you don't see him in tank then check around the tank in back maybe carpet surfing. If you dont have mountains of rock and you can see in and between your rock then yeah carpet surfing.

Tamberav · Jul 4, 2020

Check overflow, sump, and the floor for fish jerky. They are jumpers.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 4, 2020

Possibilities:
- Hiding as well as they can do (food should attract it)
- They can jump (check around tank and under stand)
- went through overflow and in your sump
- Deceased and eaten by clean up crew

Big G · Jul 4, 2020

Check the tank after the room and tank lights have been off for a couple of hours. Use a small flashlight. Even better to cover the lens with red plastic helps you to see and the fish don't see you.