What is my Sixline doing?

[steelchromis]

I purchased a sixline yesterday and once I put him in, he hid. It has been about 29 hours since I have last seen him. I sthis normal behavior? All my other fish never have hid for this long. Answers please!

 

[bbuck_camelback]

To my knowledge no that isn`t normal even for a new sixline. You won`t find ,many fish that are as active as a sixline always moving around. Mine was active from the moment he got in the tank, maybe something else in the tank is spooking the little fella what else is in the tank?

 

[drakken]

What else is in the tank?
My six line got chased by a fiji damsel and hid when I first got him. Once the damsel was removed he came right out.

 

[steelchromis]

2 Firefish
2 False Percula Clowns
I should add that I have seen him twice both times is when I fed him.

 

[steelchromis]

But otherwise he will hide under my LR or in crevices in the rock. I have seen no aggression between him and my other fish.

 

[terminus est]

If he looked good when you got him and he does come out to eat maybe he is just a skittish 6 line. Like the others said, mine never hid and immediatly started exploring the tank, maybe yours is just an oddball? He should take up his hunting practices soon though if it is nervousness.

 

[drakken]

Originally posted by SteelChromis
2 Firefish
2 False Percula Clowns
I should add that I have seen him twice both times is when I fed him.
Give him time. As long as he's eating he should start to come out more.

 

[steelchromis]

Even though he does come out to eat, I hate it that he will rarely leave his hole. How long should this acclimation take before he starts to explore?

 

[nm reef]

New additions can take some time to adjust to their new environment ...especially if they feel threatened in any way. It is good that your 6-line appears to be eating...I'd say give him some time and be sure to not stress him....hopefully he'll come around. Maybe try adding very small amounts of food more often to encourage him to come out more. Good luck with him...the only one I ever kept went carpet surfin' and I've never replaced him. Very nice addition ...I hope yours does well.

 

[steelchromis]

Unfortunately, mine came out but went carpet surfing, which is weird because nothing even went near him. I not in any mood to replace him with another sixline at any time soon. Maybe I can get a cardinalfish soon, but only until this tradegy runs its course.

 

[drakken]

Sorry to hear that.
Seems like a lot of fish have gone carpet surfing lately including my new longnose hawk a few days ago.

 

[steelchromis]

I am very sad to hear that, it is these things that make you wonder why or if you should keep such amazing creatures.
Fortunately, the good outweighs the bad and so it keeps you in the hobby and wanting to see these animals thrive and live in the peace and comfort of your tank.