lethargic GSP

[goby1kenobi]

We got what seemed like one of the more active GSPs in the tank at the LFS.

Now, however, it's a fairly lethargic fish. Every time I've gone down to check it, it's been hiding amongst the rocks or under the plants, all dark-colored.

Granted, it's only a few days in the tank. And it's day 2 of de-worming treatment (FD krill soaked in 5 drops of gel-tek, 2x/day to get the recommended amount of it into the fish).

Getting the puff to come out of hiding requires talking to it, catching its attention by showing it the krill, talking some more, and basically letting it know that it's food time. This is a far cry from the last GSP we had, who'd come to the end of the tank immediately on hearing my husband call out "hi, puff!" when he went down to feed it, and would regularly beg for food as soon as anyone got close to the tank.

It's been almost 10 years since we bought GSPs, so my memory of new-to-tank behavior is rusty. Is this kind of lassitude normal, given the puff has been in the tank less than a week?

Could the lethargy be caused by the probable internal parasites?

Or, is the puff just lonely? The tank is in the basement (landlord issues) and we both work full time.

The puff is about 2.5" long. It's in a 55g by itself. Bio-filter is long since cycled. Nitrate's at 5.

[edmlfc1]

He just needs time to settle down and get use it his new home.

[inkyjenn]

it can take them a bit to relax. the deworming meds probably didnt help (well, they helped, but i bet the puffer didnt like them). and even once they settle in, they take naps. its the weirdest thing.

[ryverrat]

Sounds like he is just shy of the new surroundings. If you have the tank in too quiet an area, you coming down to feed him may be too big of a change. My older GSP Bud use to get that way- was bored and sat at the bottom of the tank during the day. Was happy to see us first thing in the morning (tank is in the bedroom) but was bored by the time we came home. We started putting the TV on for him- he actually watched it. After awhile he got bored with TV (don't we all) and we got a 2nd GSP. Now they swim together. Both are fairly young and don't fight except for the occasional scrap at dinner time.

[goby1kenobi]

Well, I am hoping for a second GSP. Zombiefetus may have one arriving shortly, and hopefully I'll be able to take it soon.

Meanwhile, Random was looking better today -- belly whiter, wandering around the tank somewhat.

[goby1kenobi]

And today we have a happy puff. Cruisin' the tank, snarfing the krill.

Thanks for the comments!