Clown fish behavior is suddenly strange

[oldfishman]

I have a LBL 28 gal which has housed two clown fish and 6 soft corals for six months. I do 20% water changes every 10 days. Last weekend I added 10 new coral frags all Zoa's. Since that time my clowns hang out in their cave and only dart out for food or hang out in the back of the tank. Prior to the coral frags being added they were all over the tank. Are they upset by the by the addition of the new coral frags? Am I over looking something?

 

[Oscaror]

I have a LBL 28 gal which has housed two clown fish and 6 soft corals for six months. I do 20% water changes every 10 days. Last weekend I added 10 new coral frags all Zoa's. Since that time my clowns hang out in their cave and only dart out for food or hang out in the back of the tank. Prior to the coral frags being added they were all over the tank. Are they upset by the by the addition of the new coral frags? Am I over looking something?

Well it's clear that they see the cave as a safe area, why they're hosting it is a good question though. Maybe you scared them when adding the frags and they're now being cautious? #reefsquad

 

[mta_morrow]

If you don’t have your hands in the tank a lot my guess is a little stress.

I have several fish that do that including 2 clowns.

Typically all over the place, then one day acting like scaredy-cats.

Then, back out and about like nothing ever happened.

 

[rkpetersen]

It may take them some time to adjust to the change in landscape. I would guess they'll be over it soon enough though. Slightly OT, but are you thinking of adding an anemone? If your tank is stable it might be a good time, since the environment is already 'messed up'.