One of my Discus is always hiding

[jCurve]

Hey All,

Just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation.

I have 4 Discus in my 80 Gal tank all from the same LFS but one constantly hides. There are some size variations. They are all young. but the 2 largest are 1 x blue diamond and 1 x pigeon blood. The middle sized one is the problem child and I am unsure of the type. The smallest is leopard skin.

I'll skip over the Tank specs because other than being a little over stocked the stats are all spot on for these fish and I have been anal with the quarantine side of things.

The 2 big and 1 little Discus are well socialised, will sit at the front of the tank and follow you as you walk by, and can be hand fed. They are awesome to look at. Now on the other hand our little middle sized fellow, doesn't come out often at all even for food. He/she (don't know yet) just hides in a little cave and occasionally comes out to nibble some food of the ground do a quick lap of the tank and then retreat again.

I haven't seen any of the other fish picking on it and all it's fin's are intact but it does look a little emaciated. hmmm it just seems like the others think four is a crowd and he is depressed about it.

i've attached some pics. it's the Pale snakeskin.

any ideas???

 

[herp_mommy]

Could be a number of reasons, but you need to spot feed him before he starves. He should come back out and join the group soon

 

[ErinF90]

Your discus are gorgeous! Sorry I have no advice hope he/she is okay, good luck!

 

[jbree13]

If he isn't eating you have a problem, try to hand feed him, (place food where he is) he should eat it. If he doesn't id recommend putting him into a 20-30 gallon bear bottom with only sponge filter/heater tank as he could be sick. make sure his fesses is black and not white, and you can watch him more clearly and treat him properly, also I'd recommend raising the temp in that 20-30 gallon tank to 86-88% it'll make him eat and won't harm him. This is all if he Continues not eating, hopefully he gets better.
Best of luck

 

[Bbush]

Yeah, agreed. I saw a neat spot feeder in the dr.'s new catalog. Worth a shot. Sounds like he is being bullied. This could be happening at night when lights r off. Just a thought. U did say it was smaller. U could send him to me if u like.