Firefish behaviour

[tplummer]

Hey all,

I recently introduced a decent sized hippo tang to my tank (~3 inches long) I've had 2 fire fish established in the tank for about 1.5 - 2 years. It's been about 5 days now and they have basically stayed concealed in their home in fear. When I started out in this hobby I really didn't know any better and bought 2 firefish. One has been dominant over the other and periodicly, the weaker one has retreated for about 3 days or so at a time only to reappear later. This time the dominate one has followed (due to the new hippo I suppose). I've noticed that they are starting to re appear for a few seconds, only to dart back in when the hippo is in sight. My question is do you guys think that this is a permanent condition? I've been feeding them every day (squirting brine shrimp into there cave). I know they are being fed, but wonder if they are really doomed... My gut feeling is that they will work it out but what's your 2 cents????

Travis

[Benny Z]

i introduced a purple firefish (see avatar ) last week. he is terrified of my false perk clown! i didn't see him for the first few days, then i'd see him poke out, but retreat as soon as the clown came over to check him out. he's started acting more normal yesterday.

i've had regular firefish before and they are the same way. jumping up and making them "dart" back into the rock is one of our cat's favorite passtimes.

[nickiwit]

It depends on if they are being picked on or not. If your hippo is chasing them they will probably keep up the same behavior and if it is not they will eventually stay out.

[tplummer]

The Hippo "investigates" more than harrasses. At least that's how I see it. Not that the fire fish agree.