True percula clown behaviour question

n091505 · 08/06/2012, 12:48 PM

Tanks specification below
90 G
SG: 1.024
pH: 8.2
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate = 0
Alkalinity: 7dKH ( I guess its low)
Current load: 1 Blonde Tang, 1 Yellow Tang, 1 Cardinal and 1 Clown (bought 2 but the explanation below why I have 1)

Last weekend bought 2 true percula clown from LFS. The clowns were in the reef tank in the LFS. They were able to extract one becuase the other one buried himself in the rocks. LFS told me to come back another day for the 2nd clown. Its been 3 days and they have not been able to extract him. We will see what happens tomorrow.

Back to my original question. Since the moment I put the clown in the tank after acclimating, the clown has not moved in the tank at all. It has confined himself to a corner at the bottom of the tank shielding himself beside the rocks. It has space to come out but it seems he has no desire to explore rest of the tank or get friendly with the rest of the inhabitants. I added him to the tank on 8/4. Its eating, but just a bite and then it takes another bite and throws it out. Is this normal, has anyone experienced this behaviour; should I be worried; any insight from fellow reefers would be helpful.

Entropy · 08/06/2012, 03:54 PM

Is it breathing hard? Considering it is the smallest fish by far (two tangs?) it is probalby just a bit freaked out. I wouldn't panic on day three, but if it doesn't eat pretty soon I might start getting nervous.

Agu · 08/06/2012, 06:43 PM

It lost it's partner and got thrown into a strange tank with big fish, of course it's stressed. I'd suggest you get it into a quarantine tank until you get it's partner and if you don't get the partner soon take it back for a full refund.

n091505 · 08/07/2012, 07:49 AM

Thanks agu and entropy for your feedback. Will observe for few days and perhaps return it if i dont see a change.

08/06/2012, 12:48 PM	#1
n091505 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 10	True percula clown behaviour question Tanks specification below 90 G SG: 1.024 pH: 8.2 Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate = 0 Alkalinity: 7dKH ( I guess its low) Current load: 1 Blonde Tang, 1 Yellow Tang, 1 Cardinal and 1 Clown (bought 2 but the explanation below why I have 1) Last weekend bought 2 true percula clown from LFS. The clowns were in the reef tank in the LFS. They were able to extract one becuase the other one buried himself in the rocks. LFS told me to come back another day for the 2nd clown. Its been 3 days and they have not been able to extract him. We will see what happens tomorrow. Back to my original question. Since the moment I put the clown in the tank after acclimating, the clown has not moved in the tank at all. It has confined himself to a corner at the bottom of the tank shielding himself beside the rocks. It has space to come out but it seems he has no desire to explore rest of the tank or get friendly with the rest of the inhabitants. I added him to the tank on 8/4. Its eating, but just a bite and then it takes another bite and throws it out. Is this normal, has anyone experienced this behaviour; should I be worried; any insight from fellow reefers would be helpful.

08/06/2012, 03:54 PM	#2
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	Is it breathing hard? Considering it is the smallest fish by far (two tangs?) it is probalby just a bit freaked out. I wouldn't panic on day three, but if it doesn't eat pretty soon I might start getting nervous. __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

08/06/2012, 06:43 PM	#3
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	It lost it's partner and got thrown into a strange tank with big fish, of course it's stressed. I'd suggest you get it into a quarantine tank until you get it's partner and if you don't get the partner soon take it back for a full refund. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

08/07/2012, 07:49 AM	#4
n091505 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 10	Thanks agu and entropy for your feedback. Will observe for few days and perhaps return it if i dont see a change.