How Long Before a New Fish Fits In?

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Razor7Music

Razor7Music

Candiru
MFK Member
Dec 18, 2008
440
7
48
Irvine, CA
www.myspace.com
Hello--

I have been adding fish over time, and I just bought a juvie male electric blue hap last Saturday. All of my previous fish would have "come out of their shell" by now, but this guy is hanging out at the far end of the tank and trying to hide behind the heater. We are now on day 3, and of course he gets picked on.

I did all the things you're supposed to do when introducing a new fish--new rock work, fed the others, etc, etc. however, this fish seems to be afraid of his own shadow. One of the females is trying to make advances on him, and he freaks out from that too. He is also the largest fish in the tank--by a little.

I don't mind if I have a timid fish as long as they don't get hurt. In order for him to eat, I have to feed the others on one side of the tank, and then drop food practically on his head to get him to take a few bites. His pectoral and tail fin are jagged from snips and bites from the others.

It's like the dynamic in my tank is the chase and be chased and all is well. This guy, just panics and is totally stressed! I called the LFS where I bought him and they are just a ma and pa, so they really don't take fish back, but they said they would and give me a store credit. When I asked how long I should wait to see if he's going to fit in, I was told one week. Well, I don't want him to die in that time. I've seen (and had) fish slowly die from little bites here and there. :cry:

I really want this fish, but I want him to be healthy. Can anyone give me an idea of what is reasonable?

Many thanks,
 
mike dunagan;2797813;2797813 said:
It may take a little bit more time. Sometimes, removing another fish for a day or two and then putting that fish back in will stir things up enough.
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OK--thanks. I wish I had an iso tank, but my Betta is in there now. I'll keep crossing my fingers.
 
In the future it really helps to add new fish in small groups so no one fish gets singled out like this. The other fish in your tank are mbuna for the most part and can be very aggressive especially the hornet, kenyi and auratus. The hap may not be a good mix the others may just keep bullying him and keep stressing him out. If he's not settled in in a few more days I would take him back.
 
ash54876;2798886;2798886 said:
In the future it really helps to add new fish in small groups so no one fish gets singled out like this. The other fish in your tank are mbuna for the most part and can be very aggressive especially the hornet, kenyi and auratus. The hap may not be a good mix the others may just keep bullying him and keep stressing him out. If he's not settled in in a few more days I would take him back.
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Agreed. That's no fun for anyone--especially the hap.
 
Try rearranging the tank quite a bit to throw
things off It may distract them... Then again it could also cause some fighting within the group... possibly not though... Could be worth a try ...
new guy may feel more able to find himself some territory if all the others have to reastablish there heirarcy a bit... just keep a close eye on things... you may just have to get another tank so you can keep haps... thats what i did lol :)
 
I'm going to have to return him. It is getting sad. He is getting injured. Under other circumstances I would try more tricks, but I can't take the chance that it won't work and he'll get hurt further. His tail fin is now shaped like a shark.

I just called the LFS owner to see if I can return him tonight. Bummer...
 
I have had some take a few days to a few minutes, ive only had one die from stress keep an eye on how much he is eating if he doesnt eat he will most likely die
 
I have bagged up several of my fish and then released them all at one time, including the new one. Sometimes the confusion helps, along with rearranging the tank.
 
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