Firefish Gobys disappear for weeks

[Jeff_S]

I have a pair of Fire Gobys that will retreat into their cave for several weeks at a time. I don't even see them come out to eat. When they reappear they appear healthy. At first I had given them up for dead but now it is a regular thing that happens every month or 2. Could they be breeding? Do these fish breed in captivity? I have never seen any signs of baby fish although I suspect any babies would be eaten quickly by the other tank occupants.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Juck]

I have a spawning pair of firefish in my tank,, only one of the fish stays in the cave when they have eggs,,, the male I think,, and even he pops his head out when there's food in the tank.

The fry are absolutely miniscule,, I've only ever seen them hatch once and they were cardinal & clown food in minutes.

Do you have any boisterous fish in there? Firefish are easily intimidated and will just stay hidden and starve to death if they're bothered by tankmates.

 

[Jeff_S]

The tank does stay pretty active with 5 Heniochus Butterflies and a Purple Tang in there but the gobies are not shy about coming out other times.

Jeff

 

[Joew]

I have a pair of firefish, one is clearly dominant over the other, but my tomatos leave them alone for the most part.

JoeW
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