Neurotic engineer goby?

[Lutra1]

I just got my engineer goby yesterday. Floated him for the required time, etc. Ever since he found his own way out of the bag (hey, he's an engineer!) he has done nothing but furiously swim up and down the side of the tank. He only appears to do this when the ligths are on, hence perhaps a reflection thing. He seems to be driving the damsel batty by doing this. Is this normal? Is he lonely? Is he just incredibly stupid? :?

 

[Anonymous]

Does it have sand to play with?

 

[Lutra1]

Sand to "play" with?? Well, he has a good 3'' to 4'' of live sand to work with in the bottom. Including shells to bulldoze through. He doesn't do it as desperately when the lights are out, so I've been keeping them out to minimize stress. But I really figured he'd be settled somewhat by now...

Also, the LFS told me he'd eat stuff in the sand and my flake food, buuuuut, I've been doing my reading and think he needs some little mysis shrimp or something as well. Any thoughts?

 

[ChrisRD]

If you just got him yesterday I don't think I'd be too worried. I'd run all the regular water tests to make sure nothing is out of wack and give it a few days to settle down.

 

[Lutra1]

He's making a little home! I was gazing at my tank and noticed little blobs of sand flying from underneath one of my rocks. He appears happy now. I specifically got him because my boyfriend is an engineer...as is his whole family...I kinda wanted to get 4 and name them all after his family members. :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Lutra,
Please make sure your rock is on the glass and not on top of the sand. Your engineer is going to be very busy almost all the time and they do like to live under the rock :wink:

 

[Lutra1]

You mean so he doesn't get squished, don't you? 8O I might have to do some rock reorganizing and mess up his little home then.

Oh, and anyone have suggestions on the food?

 

[Anonymous]

All of mine eat anything that manages to hit the sand. They are the least picky fish I have.

Don't worrk about wrecking the home. They constantly wreck & rebuild their tunnels... constantly...