Is this normal when acclimating?? (Royal Gramma)

[pagoona]

My tank is about 1 1/2 months old and it just finished cycling, so I went out and bought a Royal Gramma today. I floated it for a little bit and emptied it into a bucket to begin drip acclimating. Even before I began dripping, it laid on its side and the bottom of the bucket, but I figured that it was normal since fish act strange during this stressful period.
Anyways, I added him to my tank and he immediately swam behind one of the powerheads and just stuck himself under it. An hour or so went by and I got concerned so I tried to get him to move and then he swam under the protein skimmer bracket and floated under there. Needless to say, I'm worried about the guy.
Since I know fish act weird when acclimating, is this a normal thing or should I get the bag ready to take back to the store?

BTW, all levels check out fine, SG is 1.023. Also, my false perc clown is doing fine.

 

[renogaw]

yea, royal gramma's are insanely shy. they are also *supposed* to be hardy, but keep an eye on it there was another post where we were all upset at how quickly they died.

 

[bluemantr]

it wasnt a good idea to Gramma is the first fish in there. They think they are 9" and bulletproof fishes. I had gramma before and she was the last fish in my tank and she got big bite from 6lines tail and ended up back to lfs. Good luck with her.

 

[nluvw/pets]

My basselet is acting funny too. He's laying in the plants on his side but is breathing normal.

 

[d0 thy d3w]

probly just really stressed..think of it this way..if sumone picked u off the side of the road and threw u in their trunk..drove u to like..another country and dropped u off...ur not just gunna walk off like everything is normal..u would be scared and really panicking....so hopefully ur fishes will be alright and get warmed up to the new tank in a few days...good luck to both of u!

 

[anubisxero]

If you haven't read up on them you should. They are rather hardy fish but can be aggressive when one of the first occupants of the tank. And as for side and upside down laying, not uncommon at all as they are often found in submerged caves sleeping on the ceiling of the caves upside down. Just one facet to a very interesting family of fish.
"Habitat:
Grammas live close by their nooks and crannies, upside down, right side up, at all angles. They prefer as much decor, broken up environment as possible, as well as low illumination.
These fishes make great additions for reef tanks, staying small, not bothering invertebrates, and keeping deviant live rock critters, like benthic crustaceans and worms in population check.
These fishes are easily overlooked in the wild, being small, secretive, and quick to "exit stage left". Being an avid diver and having frequented their environments for more than twenty five years I can assure you their numbers are many. A bright, small flashlight reveals them hiding up close, and at angles along cave walls and ledges."
That was taken directly from wetwebmedia. Hope this helps.
Jason