Where did my zebra loach go?

Question

On Saturday I got a zebra loach. It was in the tank that day. Sunday, I didn't see it. And it's now Wednesday and I still haven't seen it. I called the store and they said that they sometimes hide for a couple days, but it's been a few. So I'm just wondering if it would be normal for it to still be hiding. I moved around the rocks some the first day looking for it. Then took out the rocks that weren't necessary. I'm worried that I buried it under a rock and killed it.
So, I was just wondering if anyone else has experiences with a zebra loach disappearing for several days.

Answer 1

Zebra loaches are great hiders. In a well decorated or planted tank thy can go missing for days or weeks. Try feeding some sinking food an hour or so after you turn off the tank light. ut the food right up against the front glass, move away from the tank and sit still a little ways away from the tank. If the room is darkened you might see him come out for food and then you'll know where his hiding place is. This could take a few days to get him to come out, but it's worth a try.

MM

Answer 2

Zebra Loach

Answer 3

All but the bigger loaches hide in cracks, crevices, rocks, plants, and decortions. Its not uncommon for them to hide for days or even weeks at a time. If you have other loaches then he will be more comfortable and probably stay out more. I have a 30 gallon tank with 2 zebras, a yoyo, and 5 clown loaches in it. They usually never hide even when im cleaning the tank and are very active during the day. Also if you dont have a very good cover look outside your tank because loaches are known to jump out of the water.

Answer 4

These loaches are good hiders. He's just taking some time getting used to his new home. They're sensitive to light, so you may want to go without a light on over his tank for a little while. Plants also give them some "shade" and places to hide. The more places he can go to hide - the more secure they will feel. If he's by himself, he's probably even more uncomfortable - they should be in groups of 3 or more, then they will interact with each other. It's also good to keep them on sand or other small-grained substrate.

Answer 5

A friend of mine had a khuli loach that went missing after he had cleaned the tank out. He had put the fish in a washing up bowl whilst the cleansing exercise was taking place and it had jumped out onto the lounge carpet. He finally retrieved it from the other side of the romm, where it had managed to wrap itself in dog hair. He picked off the hairs and put it back in the water!

Yours is probably hiding somewhere. Move the rocks around again and have a really good look.

Answer 6

sure you are able to, i'm as we talk. I particularly have zebra, clown, yoyo, and yellow finned loaches jointly. save in ideas loaches favor to be in communities of four-5 inspite of the truth that. i do not yet easily everyone acts effective so if no longer you are able to be effective. in case you do get a clown loach be particular to get waiting to address the tank for ich. Clown loaches get lower than pressure actual.

Answer 7

I have 2 kuhli loaches that stay hidden until I start vacuuming the gravel every month or so, and I've had them for about 5 years! Once things settle down, they disappear again.

Answer 8

I have a bumblebee goby and he hides all day and comes out at night. I've seen him 3 times in the last 6 months.

Answer 9

If you have no idea here your fish is then do the following:check the filter to see if its in there.put food in the tank to see if i comes out for food.look very closely to see if your fish ate it.

Answer 10

It went in your biggest fishe's mouth