are firefishes a jumping danger?

[kirkland]

we are looking to get a firefish but i'm concerned that they are listed as jumpers. we keep the top off our tank over the summer to prevent temperature issues. do firefishes tend to jump at times when hands are in the tank for maintenance, or do they tend to jump at any time? would it be a bad idea to get a firefish if there won't be a top on their tank for 2-3 months per year? can anyone speak about their experiences with firefishes? thanks!

 

[debbie]

Yep they are jumpers, many here talk about them carpet surfing.
I have one and the odd time it will jump in the tank but i have a tight fitting lid so it cannot get out. If you don't have a good lid I would not get one.

 

[thehorndaddy]

I've had one with a "loose" lid for over a year and have added another within the past month. Now they are housed in a larger aquarium where the top is about 85% covered.
I have heard of them jumping, but have never seen it. When I'm watching them, if they get frightened, they usually dart into a cave. Of course this doesn't mean the next time they won't jump out of the tank.

 

[reefkprz]

my last fish fatality (in my 75g) was a firefish carpet surfer, I reccomend covered aquariums for them. and I am pretty much opposed to covered aquariums (air restriction light diffusion etc.) but for those types of fishes that are reputed jumpers I think its safer.

 

[renogaw]

mine's been in the tank over a year, and never even goes near the surface.

 

[redbead arg!]

I have two and they have never gone near the surface but when I bought them at the LFS they literally jumped between 3 different tanks as soon as the guy stuck the net in the water.

 

[05xrunner]

i have one in an open top..its a purple firefish. doeant go near the top ever and if it gets scared it just bolts into the rocks where it sleeps at night

 

[kirkland]

hmm...our top is 85% covered for about 9 months of the year. i love the look of the firefish but am really uncertain...i should look at other fishes instead as i'm not feeling entirely comfortable with the possible traumatization of finding a fish on the floor!

 

[steve24]

Originally Posted by 05xrunner
http:///forum/post/2608047
i have one in an open top..its a purple firefish. doeant go near the top ever and if it gets scared it just bolts into the rocks where it sleeps at night
yea, i know they say firefish are jumpers but ...
i have three,two reds and a helfrichi in a open top tank. the never go near the surface even when my hands are in the tank or my grandaughter is here with her face against the glass. they just dart into one of nooks or crannies in the LR ...

 

[05xrunner]

lol when I have my face or my camera at the tank..the firefish will sit right there and stare at me or it will sit infront of the lens and not move waiting for its pic to be taken

 

[deltablack22]

Many fish even when not known as "jumpers" can take the plunge... I wish I had a tank with a full hood to prevent it but I've had to improvise with glass tops (not very fond of the air diffusion). The reason I went with glass tops was because I've had a firefish, jawfish and clownfish take up the surfing hobby. Your always gonna have exceptions to the rule, but its up to you to take precautions as necessary.

 

[05xrunner]

you can always use some egg crate from local hardware store and cut it to fit..its not as fool proof as glass..but it keeps the top open and is a pretty good helper at jumpers since its not totally open now