Bought a banana wrasse today and he was introduced to the tank at about 5 his afternoon. He was fine for about half an hour then he completely disappeared. We left him for a wee while, and he didn't turn up. So we turned the tank upside down, took out the bits of the filter and the rock out of the main bit to look for him. After we didn't find him, we did some research, and I now discover that it is quite normal for wrasse to hide in the sand. Now I'm worried that we've put the rock on top of him. I'm really new to the marine tank, and I'm a big worry wart (in case you hadn't guessed).
What should I do now? Just keep an eye on the ammonia etc and hope he turns up? or should I stir up the substrate and try to find him?
Sensible answers please...
Thank you
2007-09-17 07:32:29 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I have already tried luring it out with food. It didn't work needless to say.
Thanks for all your answers. I realise moving thr rocks was probably a silly thing to do, but I thought it was for the best
2007-09-17 07:53:18 · update #1
My tank is securely covered, and I have already checked the area around the tank, just in case
2007-09-17 08:13:28 · update #2
You're correct in that he's probably hiding in the substrate, although he may have jumped out of the tank if you don't have a secure cover.
One of my main concerns is that you're worried that you "put the rock on top of him". Larger rocks should always sit on the bottom of the tank - if you just place them on the sand, any animal that burrows beneath has the potential to topple any rocks that are stacked, and these could crack your tank if they fall into the side with enough force!
At this point, you probably should remove the rock(s) and disturb enough of the substrate that all are placed securely, giving the wrasse enough space at the front and center that he's got a place to burrow. (another option is to use smaller rock or sections of PVC to make legs which support the rocks, but allow opens space underneath - just cut the sections to the length that your substrate will be deep enough to hide. If your wrasse is hiding, he may get exposed, or uncomfortable, during the rock placement and come out of hiding, so be prepared for some fast action should he swim out and try to jump.
2007-09-17 08:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have two options; take all the rocks out or leave them in and wait. I kept marine fish for a long time . Never kept a wrasse but would expect it to be able to wriggle from under a rock
2007-09-17 14:38:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the area around outside the tank ... I once brought home a fish, only to have it mysteriously disappear soon thereafter.
I eventually figured out what happened when I found him shriveled up on the floor weeks later.
Don't know where he was trying to jump to, but Nemo he wasn't!
2007-09-17 14:43:44 · answer #3 · answered by 62,040,610 Idiots 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep an eye on the tank. Sometimes my guppies dissappear a while, and always show up. I don't even have any decor in my guppy tank! Hope to hear of your fishy's safe reappearance.
2007-09-17 14:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by Golden Mantella 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put some food in and watch the tank,it may just be getting used to his new home
2007-09-17 14:44:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋