Why do rays bury themselves?

[Kwazy]

Hi,
I go a 6" female motoro yesterday

She ate some even though she is a little skinny.

Today, She buried herself. Is that good or bad? Why do they do that?

 

[Gshock]

They bury themselves when they're scared, usually a settled ray burying itself means something is wrong, but since you just got yours, It's probably just settling in, just keep the lights off for a couple days.

 

[Kwazy]

Ok.
I'm doing a 20% water change because there was a lot of un eaten food that I removed and the ray ate a lot. I'm worried about ammonia.

I also added some zeolite to the sump.

 

[Gshock]

I have no clue what zeolite is, but my advice to you is dont change anything while your ray is still settling in, you do NOT want to add onto the stress load. any pics?

 

[Kwazy]

Whoops, too late on the water change. I didn't do all 20% (more like 15%) and I did it very slowly.

Zeolite is a type of carbon (it think) that removes ammonia. The light is also off.

 

[Gshock]

Whoops, too late on the water change. I didn't do all 20% (more like 15%) and I did it very slowly.

Zeolite is a type of carbon (it think) that removes ammonia. The light is also off.

Just do a big water change after a few days like 50-60%, but for now just leave things as is.

 

[Deaths Sting]

they bury themselves for a number of reasons.

- stress ( typically the main reason )

- hunting ( good camouflage ) ( also, they may turn over sand to search for food)

- resting ( very rarely after a big meal my ray may hid for an hour or two.. )

- playing ( Ive seen my ray dig under the sand and then throw it in my bichirs face, then repeat )

 

[sharp tooth]

you did right to remove the uneaten food. aslong as you do go over the top and do more then is totally necessary then you will be fine. leave the lights off for a day or 2 while she settles.
rays just bury them selves, its what they do. it isnt an instant sighn there is something wrong unless its a total change in the rays personality.
she may settle in a few days or it may take weeks till she feels secure enough to be out and about while your there.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

They do it when they are scared to make themselves feel more secure and with her being still new to the tank i wouldnt worry

 

[Kwazy]

Thanks for your time everyone.