Why is my BGK so darn shy?

[Newt]

My BGK has been in my tank over 6 months now. All it seems to do is wedge itself under driftwood and stay there. The only time it moves is if another fish (mostly the fire eel) tries to share it's hiding spot. Then it will nip and push the "invader" away, but immediately goes back to it's wedged in position. Even at night it will go just out of it's hiding area to eat, it never cruises the tank to get food, only grabbing what is in front of it.

I put an African brown knife in the tank last week, hoping that the BGK would sense another "electric" fish in it's tank and at least come check it out, but nothing. The ABK on the other hand cruises the tank day and night and is rarely hiding.

What can I do to help the BGK be less shy? More plants? Less light?

Tank specs: 180 gallon, 14 watts of flourscent light, 5 large plastic plants, 2 driftwood "caves", rocks, sand sub.

Tankmates: Retric ray, Fire eel, 5 severums, African brown knife, Rocket gar, Royal Pleco, founder.

 

[midnightCK]

how big is the bgk ???? maybe scurred of the gar. ?

 

[dark_knights_99]

can you provide pics of the whole tank?

 

[NSRsinfuLangeL]

our bgk lives alone and is so shy that he might as well be invisible.

 

[cmartin]

Hey Newt,

It sounds like you have a lot of competition for 'floor space'. That may be why your wants to be higher up.

My big BGK only comes out of his cave for feeding and his regular tank patrols late at night. He will also come out to greet me anytime I go to the tank. Hopeful for food no doubt but it is cool to have him come out to see me. I just call his name and he will slowly come out of his cave and come over to the side of tank.

That said - I now have 4 baby Ghosties who are rarely ever in their caves. The tank get indirect sun and I have the lights on all day... but they don't seem to mind at all.

One little guy sleeps in a plastic plant.. wedges himself in and goes to sleep even though there are several hiding places that have not been claimed by the others. He just likes sleeping suspended in the plant... I guess they have some 'quirks'

 

[dark_knights_99]

Every fish has thier own personality.

 

[midnightCK]

yea 4 of my clowns love the same cave. sleep right next to eqachother . clown fam =)

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Mine is kinda similar. He hides in a hollow log all day. Only comes out if theres food. At night when the lights are off, he sometimes comes out and swims around, but any noise or if he sees a shadow or senses me coming he zooms right back to hiding.

 

[benzjamin13]

Try giving it more hiding spots.

 

[midnightCK]

try putin slate or a flat piece against the front of your aquarium. most likely hell find that spot and youll be able to see him 100% . the bgk lean-to gallery =P