new fish - behavior questions

[fljewel]

in a Biocube 29:

I have had 2 Ocellaris Clownfish for about 2 months and they rarely leave the upper right back of the tank.

2 Days ago we brought home 3 blue green Chromis and 1 Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse. The Wrasse has planted himself in one of the rocks and never leaves. The 3 Chromis basicly hang out in the upper left back of the tank and the Wrasse wont come out of hiding. Is this normal????

[horwitzs]

The new fish are in a strange place and it may take them a while to feel safe and come out in the open.
As for the clowns, in nature they have an anemone and never go far from home. They'll pick a spot in your tank and it's pretty much their spot. Eventually they may wander a bit, but sometimes changing the flow pattern or rock arrangement will get them to go to a new spot.

[chrisfont23]

My clowns never leave the bottom corner of my tank during the day. I don't have much of a place for them to host, so I suppose it's normal then. Do you? Th wrasse is probably still getting used to it's new surroundings, but yes - I had found that mine hid in the rock work alot.

[sporto0]

You have basically reached your limit for livestock in a 29g tank, Clown fish & Damsels are very territorial but the Fairy Wrasse should eventually become very active, your tank is very small, compare that to the ocean where they come from & you can understand why their behavior might be a bit askew.

[ajcanale]

Clownfish are privy to establishing territories and staying near them. That is there territory, they are not tank roamers.

[fljewel]

update: The Wrasse and 2 Chromis died today. I'd like some colorful fish to go with the clowns. Any suggestions?

[andy2966]

I would check your water perimeters before I bought any more fish.

[fljewel]

I would check your water perimeters before I bought any more fish.
I just bought them 3 days ago, they tested my water at the store and they said it was perfect. :(

[India]

Fire fish, clown gobies, small Blenny, shrimp goby and shrimp

[zoafarm]

If three of your fish died, your tank probably has some kind of a problem. I would think long and hard about putting new fish in the tank until you know what the problem is. At least make sure it is not the tank. Nothing against your LFS, but you should test your parameters or have someone else double checked them.

Happy Reefing