New, dumb Damsels are hiding

[wingsnfins]

I just set up a new tank, and put a Convict Damsel and a Yellow Tail Damsel in to cycle the tank, and they are hiding. They eat aggressively, but do nothing else except cower in concealed places. What's the deal? Will they acclimate themselves to their new surroundings and then become visible? These two fish have been the most idiotic acting fish that I have ever given a home! We do not even have a CAT!!!
Shed some light on this for me, please.

 

[hermit enthusiast]

Is there lots of hiding places? Fish feel safest in a tank with lots of hiding places and that's when they come out.
Peace

 

[noles1]

I got 2 yellow tails a week ago and for the first few days they hid but as the days went by they came out more and more.

 

[guppie]

they will start to come out more after some time. most fish hide for awhile when they are put into a tank for the first time. just give the time. Good Luck

 

[misty927]

Well, I've had my damsels for approximately a month. At first, yes, they hid a lot in the back of the tank. They, however, are still hiding. Of course, they do come out more, but it seems as though they are comfortable in all the live rock. They come out to eat, sometimes swim around a bit and then return to their respective spots. Each has claimed their private hole or niche...and I'm fine with it. I actually enjoy watching the little guys poke their heads out to see what's going on. It's so cute. They're almost like cats in themselves. I just recently got two new featherdusters. The damsels would sneak up behind them, touch them really quick, and then run off and hide. They do the same thing when the cat comes to watch at the front of the tank...they'll come up touch the glass and run of and hide. It's like a game. Anyways... I'll stop rambling... here's my point. They'll do whatever they feel like, so find enjoyment from the little oddities that form their personalities. If you focus more on what you do like about your new fish and less on the fact that they hide...you won't find yourself getting so annoyed. I know it's aggravating that your new arrivals aren't frollicking around the tank with no care in the world, but think of it this way...you are taken from possibly the only home you've known and then thrown into some entirely new "ocean," unknowing whether some huge shark will come and eat you or not. I too, thought I bought dud fish at first, but now everyone is happy!
[ May 07, 2001: Message edited by: misty927 ]

 

[b_ball12_99]

From my knowledge all damsel but green chromis will hid. Its just their personality. They settle in after time.

 

[ll206]

It's normal. In fact I think I posted the same topic as you "weird damsels", look it up. Give it a couple days, they'll be normal

 

[wingsnfins]

I guess I'll have to give them a few more days; and let them get more familiar with their new home. I have just NEVER had ANY fish do this in all the years we have had fish. Oh, sure, some Plecos and Khulis, but not to this extent. Hmmm, I'll keep you all updated, and then we can have a "coming out" party. Thanks!!!