Disappearing Blue Tilefish

[patsheridan]

I've had this guy for about 3 months. Took him about a week to get acclimated, then he was first in line to eat from the turkey baster (mostly mysis frozen). Very active and hearty.

Took a vacation for about 8 days, and had someone over every other day to feed. A little flake and some frozen. When I came back everything look good, all fish reporting for food. Only thing I noticed was that the frozen mysis cup had been left out on a shelf rather than back in the fridge, and I don't know if my guy kept it out the whole time or just forgot to return to fridge after the last feeding.

Anyway, about three days after returning I notice the tilefish was not coming out during feeding. I searched and found him hiding in a cave. He stayed there for about two days, only came out once during feeding and then only for a quick moment. Now, nothing. I'm quite sure he has died. Can't see him anywhere, and I'm not inclined to tear down the whole tank to go looking for him.

I would like to get another but am wondering if there is something I need to know before doing so. I really like the look and character this guy brought to the tank.

All other fish are hearty and active.

Thanks in advance.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I wonder if he jumped out while the other person was feeding, and was returned to the tank.

 

[4FordFamily]

That's curious. Any other fish in the tank behaving in that cryptic fashion?

 

[patsheridan]

No other fish acting erratically. the tilefish was good for a day or two after I returned, then he went into hiding. I will ask the guy who helped me if he might have jumped out or if he saw anything unusual. But I think he would have told me if that was the case.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Maybe he darted(they are pretty skittish) and hit a hard object, rock, glass sides, glasd top..