12:00 AM

Hello all,

Today I’ll be running around as a new Chaetodon (Butterflyfish) arrives for the glassbox. I’ll be giving more frequent updates on the fly via Twitter and Flickr, but will do my best to update this post as well to journal the acclimation etc. If you leave comments or tweets I’ll also do my best to respond throughout the day.

I hope the specimen arrives in good condition. Given their hardiness and the care taken by the shipper I am not overly concerned or worried, but my fingers are still crossed. For me this is a dream fish that truthfully I never though I’d see in the U.S. let alone own it myself. I realize not everyone will take the same interest or appreciation for this fish, but to me this is truly one of a kind. That’s all I will say for now.

Time to crash, I’ve got to wake up early and then take the subway to the Fed Ex facility. I’ll be the guy on the Redline with a 20lb styro.

Photo CC by Frozenchip

12:00PM

I apologize for the delayed response, we got hit in Chicago with some sleet and rain delaying Fed Ex. I waited 3 hours at the facility and then finally got to bring the new fish home. She has acclimated well and is currently in the tank. Here’s a photo right before being placed in the tank. She is truly a Roaops Hybrid blending many markings from the subgenus into one.

9:00AM the following day

I was a bit concerned yesterday, the new Roaops did not eat or show interest in food. For most fish this is no big deal, but for Roaops it’s not uncommon for them to eat while still in the bag they shipped in. What concerned me more was her overall behavior. You could tell she was very uncomfortable, but understandably so.

I ended up separating our Pomacanthus imperator as she showed some aggression. I did not want to risk stressing out the Roaops any more than she already was. I’ve actually posted up the imperator for sale  in our local forum. If anyone want’s a nice fat and healthy Emperor let me know. The imperator is now sold. Sad, but a must to make room for this fish.

Last night when the lights went off the Declivis went a little crazy. The best way I can describe it, it was like he forgot that a new fish was in the tank with him. Aggressive for about 30 minutes, and then it subsided and they slept right next to each other. I had never seen the Declivis act like this, and it was a stressful night. I woke up at least 5 times to make sure the new fish was okay and not being harassed.

While the lights were off this morning they were up early swimming together and which was a huge relief after last night’s fiasco. Then the first halide came on, and again it was like the Declivis forgot about the new fish. He was aggressive for about 10 minutes and then it went away and they became best friends again.

Now they are swimming together like a pair and the new girl has taken to mysis! Seeing her eat took off a huge amount of stress, I was really concerned about her behavior yesterday. Now it’s time to fatten her up… and in a few hours I am going to need a drink and a nap. 

In addition to mysis she’s spending her time grazing the rocks and has no problem chasing the Declivis if he gets too touchy-feely with her. She should brighten up over the next few days and I’ll do my best to snap some more photos. 

Related Posts

1. the glassbox | Chaetodon Declivis Floating, Acropora Horrida, LiveSea Combination 2, 76F
2. Diversity of Form | Chaetodon declivis, The Marquesan Butterfly
3. Chaetodon declivis and Chaetodon collare
4. Rare Fish | Tinkeri Hybrids – Chaetodon tinkeri, flavocoronatus, and burgessi
5. Chaetodon ornatissimus feeding on Pocillopora