New Filefish

[sunshine2382]

So I noticed an anemone filefish at my LFS last week. I thought it was kind of neat. I had since placed and order for cheato (sp?) for my refuge and when i got it yesterday it was COVERED in pest anemones, I did some research and found that the filefish is actually suppose to be a really easy fish to care for and is suppose to adjust really well to captivity. So today I made a trip back to my local fish store to see if they still had this one. They did and I re-checked with the owner (whom I trust) to see what he thought about him since I am new to the hobby, he said that yes it would be an easy fish to care for and that I shouldn't have any problems but as always if I do just let them know. I acclimated him with the float method and added him to my 20 gallon refugium. that has been about 9 hours ago now. so far he is not swimming at all he is just sitting in the corner in a head down position. I tried feeding him some frozen brine shrimp and he was having none of it he just ignored it completely and is still in the head down position.

My water parameters is as follows:
Salinity 1.025
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20
PH 8.4
phosphate is maybe between .5 and 1... the color card looks very similar.

I have never had a fish do this when I have brought it home, All the fish have always started to swim with in 15 min of putting them in the tank. Is this normal for this kind of fish? any suggestions?

[frnkynlop]

Hey Sunshine,

I've had a few of these fishes and they tend to be very shy in the beginning. As for it swimming with its head down, it is also normal. Thats why i find kinda cool because they look like helicopters when they swim. Give him some time. Mines usually take a few days to comfortable.

[sunshine2382]

Hey Sunshine,

I've had a few of these fishes and they tend to be very shy in the beginning. As for it swimming with its head down, it is also normal. Thats why i find kinda cool because they look like helicopters when they swim. Give him some time. Mines usually take a few days to comfortable.

Thank you :) I was hoping i wouldn't loose him :) it's a relief to know this is normal :) hopefully in the morning he is more well adjusted

[biomek]

are the lights on in your refugium? if so, what kind and wattage are they? I've never placed a new fish in my fuge so i'm wondering, does the file have anywhere to hide from the direct lighting? might be a little bit stressed out if thats the case. My file is always swimming in my rocks and caves is the only reason i mention it.

[rfgonzo]

Everything you're describing sounds like normal filefish behavior. Make sure he has places to hide.