[duster]

When I was reading up in my beginner marine aquarist books, the authors recommended a black tank background as the best, making fishes colors stand out the most. I agreed and definitely wanted a black background, so I did it. Heres the problem: it seems like the front panel of my acrylic tank is a mirror from the inside. When I look at the front panel thru the side panels, I can't see thru it, but rather I see an almost perfect reflection of the LR and now of the fish. I just added a little Clown, and it has spent its first day "flickering" along the panels, with its nose to the acrylic. Is it seeing its reflection? If so, will it get used to itself [(:]?

[patsfan1130]

Originally Posted by duster

When I was reading up in my beginner marine aquarist books, the authors recommended a black tank background as the best, making fishes colors stand out the most. I agreed and definitely wanted a black background, so I did it. Heres the problem: it seems like the front panel of my acrylic tank is a mirror from the inside. When I look at the front panel thru the side panels, I can't see thru it, but rather I see an almost perfect reflection of the LR and now of the fish. I just added a little Clown, and it has spent its first day "flickering" along the panels, with its nose to the acrylic. Is it seeing its reflection? If so, will it get used to itself [(:]?

It's refraction. smoke & mirrors

The fish can see through the front panel

[Samper]

I believe that the clown is seeing itself in the glass however I also believe that he can also see out...sort of like you looking into a car window at your reflection but at the same time being able to see the seat. The clown is most likely just finding out and testing his borders at the moment. Most clowns are pretty social especially the perculas. In the past mine would follow my fingers all around the glass so I know they can see through. He will get used to himself and settle in somewhere.

[duster]

Sounds good and it makes sense (especially the car window thing). Thank You. I'm just a newbie so I'm probably worrying too much about every little thing. Also, I got a Citrinis Clown Goby; the one I saw in a dealer tank was a very vivid yellow, but mine arrived pretty drab, almost a light brown. I should know enough to know that its probably stressed, maybe starved, and hasn't had much light. Water parameters/quality are good, so I'm looking for reassurance that it will brighten up once it settles in and gets some light & food. How long should I wait after introduction to start feeding? Couple days? I don't want to foul my little tank, so I'd like them to be hungry enough to eat the frozen shrimp when I put it in.

[Samper]

In my little bit of experience I have noticed that fish do tend to change hues when stressed. Also you will notice that different animals look different under different lighting sources. The one you saw in your dealer tank was most likely under some very good lighting also. After he settles in a bit he won't be so stressed and you should notice a little difference. When I introduce a new fish I usually add just a little bit of food to see if he is interested. If you have a turky baster or something like that you could try to spot feed by the goby so the clown doesnt woof it all down. If the goby isnt interested just be patient. The Citrinis Clown Goby's diet should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysid shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. The goby is also best suited for an aquarium of 30g or larger and prefers branched corals, often resting on them for hours at a time. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight with its own kind in smaller tanks. It is best if it is kept with other docile species. I don't know if you did your research on this fish before buying or what your tank size is so just for future reference do your research before purchasing. Here are a few links that might help ya out. Good luck and welcome to reefland.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/
http://www.fishbase.org/search.cfm

[duster]

Thanks Samper. I did do some research on the Goby and read about the 30g thing, but some that I talked to recommended them for nanos as they are pretty sedentary and docile. I called LiveAquaria (where I got him) and they said it is normal and I should give him a few days to brighten up.

[Samper]

Glad I could be of help.
Good luck man.