New fish introduction problem

[goodgreef]

Hoping someone will see this post and give me some advice. I just bought a Fiji Lyretail Anthias. After acclimating, I released him and found my angel (orange with a blue tail) chasing him. The anthias appears terrified. I am unable to net either as I have a ton of rock for them to escapr to. Is it possible that both will learn to live together? I have turned off the light. I'm new to reefing and this is rather upsetting.


Thanks a bunch for your responses.


goodgreef

[Skyhigh]

anthias are a schooling fish do way better in numbers. New fish alway get picked on, best to add 2 or 3 to spread out the aggression

[jimsflies]

In my experience, it's doubtful. If your set on keeping an anthias your best bet is to get the angel out for awhile...long enough so it doesn't consider the tank it's territory any more. You'll probably need a trap to get either fish out...and it's unlikely the anthias would go into the trap considering it is probably to terrified to eat.

You could try placing a mirror in or against the tank to give the angel something else to focus on at least as a stop gap measure, it could buy you some time if the angel takes an interest in it.

Wished I had better news. Perhaps someone has come up with another idea.

[jimsflies]

I agree with Bryan except, I've always heard that you need larger schools (5++) for multiple anthias to do well. Other than that, I have heard you want to stick with a single anthias.

[goodgreef]

Thanks for the prompt reply's. Any advice on how to catch one of the fish. I have a bunch of rock in the center and both fish immediately hide in there when a net is lowered into the tank. I just hate the thought of losing a fish this way.


Thanks,

goodgreef

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Here's a couple of thoughts. None of which are easy fixes and some may not apply to your setup.

1. Leave the net in the tank propped against the glass. Soon enough (may be hours) the fish will get used to it being in there. Then distract the fish with some food, grab the net and scoop up the fish of choice. Not easy but I have been successful with this technique.

2. Total re-scape. It may be enough to "reset" the angels territorial tendencies.

3. Deconstruct the rock so its all laying on the substrate and there's nowhere for the fish to hide.

HTH,
Tom

[ReeferRob]

That's great advice Tom I would agree.

Another way to possibly catch the anthias if not too big is to do the pop bottle trick.

You may want to invest in an acclimation box as well. I use one anytime I introduce a fish after QT and acclimation. Allows me to observe all the fishes behavior before releasing the newcomer into the tank.

[igot2gats]

Yeah, I agree with Tom. Netting a fish takes TONS of patience.

I wouldn't suggest to put the net in the tank unattended, as the fish may get caught in there & stress out too much w/o you around...

Keep the net in there for a while, & the fish will eventually come out of hiding.

Also, like Tom said - rescape your tank a bit if you're ok with that.

I prefer the net method, as moving LR around in a tank, no matter how big the tank, is a HUGE PITA.

When you start to move the net around when the fish is out of hiding, you have to go at a crazy slow pace....like molasses...eventually getting it in a corner of the tank, so that the only place is up for the fish.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[goodgreef]

Quick update for all of those kind enough to respond. with great advice.

Anthias is still alive and eating minimally. It continues to reside in the back corner and does not venture to far out. It appears to be doing marginally well.

I will definitely invest in an acclimator!!


Thank you so for all of your great advice.


goodgreef

[igot2gats]

No problem. That's what we're here for.