I acquired 4 citrinellus at bout 3" from Jeff Rapps about 3 days ago and they are very darty/skittish. They are constantly on edge darting about the tank. I bought these guys because I wanted a personable fish but so far they are disappointing me. They are in a 125 with 2 salvini who are also shy and 6 darty silver dollars which are getting on my nerves. I swear these silver dollars panic when you blink. Is there anything I can do to bring my midas specifically out of their shell? I can't even get them to eat because they are so darty. Are they just getting acclimated?
shy midas?
- Thread starter rrcoolj
- Start date
I would say wait till they grow but.. if all your fish are skiddish I'd say check your waterparameters.
It is expected for new fish to feel nervious and skittish for a while when introduced to a new tank. Thay were just scooped up in a net placed in a bag put in a dark box and shipped. You should expect that they might take up to two weeks for them to feel comfortable.
As far as the rest of your fish being that way. Have you tested your water? Do you do weekly water changes, gravel vacuuming and filter maintance? Is your tank very brightly lit? Do you have cover and areas for them to retreat into and feel secure? Do you spend time infront of the tank watching them, not just at feeding time so they become comfortable with you being around? These are some things that could cause this.
As far as the rest of your fish being that way. Have you tested your water? Do you do weekly water changes, gravel vacuuming and filter maintance? Is your tank very brightly lit? Do you have cover and areas for them to retreat into and feel secure? Do you spend time infront of the tank watching them, not just at feeding time so they become comfortable with you being around? These are some things that could cause this.
Aquanero made some great points. There new, young and have been shipped. It takes certain specias a long time to be comfortable and confident. Dovii often take untill there arouned 10" to become what many want. I'm sure you will get a very nice wet pet. Spend time around the tank and it may take months but wil be worth it.
Thanks for all the comments guys. I figured it might be my impatience. As for the other fish. I have read that silver dollars are very skittish anyway but they will come to me to eat most of the time. I doubt it's the water. I do 50% water changes weekly and clean filter pads every other week. But I could check. As for the salvini, I read they can also be very shy. I guess I will just have to be patient and spend more time in front of the tank.
Dissy;5036866; said:It helps if you're holding food, too.. If they associate you with dinner, eventually, they'll start doing back flips for you.
My tank is in a high traffic area of the house so the fish got used to all the movement and are not that shy or skittish. The food thing works well. Some days I actually will do several "tiny" feedings of a couple of pellets at a time, rather than larger feedings less often. It keeps the fish on their toes always looking to me for food. The fish will come around, just use food to entice them.
I think you just need to relax and wait for them to settle down. Mine were the same way at first but ended being probably one of the most personable fish I have ever owned. Sometime we have to accept what fish is willing to let us have.