Corys Gone Shy

[seangee]

Hi all

I got my very first corys last weekend. 8 Sterbai of about 1 1/2 - 2 inches. It took them a few days to settle in.

Last night I did my first water change since they have been in. (I do 20% twice a week)

After the change they were all quite and subdued and hiding. This morning they were all out but still a bit subdued. Is this normal and will it happen every change or will they eventually get used to the disruption.

Tank is fully cycled and I hace been monitoring ammonia and nitrite since they have been in - both have remained at zero. The tankmates are livebearers (guppies + platies) and cardinals and took the change in their stride.

 

[jollysue]

Actually most Corys enjoy a fresh water change. But they can be naturally shy. So likely they will get used to the routine and will look for ward to it. Corys naturally respond to water changes that are a few degrees cooler than their tank water as though it is Spring runoff. Their systems alert them that it is the season to let the good times roll. So if your other fish can tolerate a cool water change, the Corys will think that their god is smiling down on them.

 

[seangee]

Actually most Corys enjoy a fresh water change. But they can be naturally shy. So likely they will get used to the routine and will look for ward to it. Corys naturally respond to water changes that are a few degrees cooler than their tank water as though it is Spring runoff. Their systems alert them that it is the season to let the good times roll. So if your other fish can tolerate a cool water change, the Corys will think that their god is smiling down on them.

I have read this about Corys and did use "cold water". Overall temp dropped by about 1 1/2 degrees C. Hopefully when I get home this evening they will be back to their normal selves. When I first got them they all dived for cover every time I went near the tank and they have stopped doing this so hopefully you are right about getting used to the routine.

 

[jollysue]

Just to make sure, if there are any fish that will harrass or bother the Cotys causing them to feel threatened it will affect their behavior. They will hide more and be more nervous. The stress can cause problems.

I am not suggesting that there are aggressive or territorial fish in the tank, but I failed to ask a bit back and it ended badly.

 

[seangee]

Just to make sure, if there are any fish that will harrass or bother the Cotys causing them to feel threatened it will affect their behavior. They will hide more and be more nervous. The stress can cause problems.

I am not suggesting that there are aggressive or territorial fish in the tank, but I failed to ask a bit back and it ended badly.

Tankmates are platies, guppies and cardinals so those should be ok. Thet seem livelier today.

Could they just have been overfed? They had frozen bloodworm the night before the change and the cubes I have are a bit big for my current stock.

 

[jollysue]

I suppose it could be any number of things or combination of things. If all the possible negatives are checked: water stats, clean substrate, no evidence of illness, no bullying tank mates, a general healthy behavior, then just keep an eye on them. Most likely they are fine. Maybe they stuffed themselves then were bounced around with a water change and they are recouperating. It is all speculation at this point.

Have you got pics to share of your little new buddies?

 

[seangee]

I suppose it could be any number of things or combination of things. If all the possible negatives are checked: water stats, clean substrate, no evidence of illness, no bullying tank mates, a general healthy behavior, then just keep an eye on them. Most likely they are fine. Maybe they stuffed themselves then were bounced around with a water change and they are recouperating. It is all speculation at this point.

Have you got pics to share of your little new buddies?

The little guys are in fine form today. Hope to have pics by next weekend as I have an algae bloom to clear

 

[vinylman]

My Bronze Corys took a day or two to settle down, but now they look as though they've been in the tank forever. By contrast, I added some Peppered Corys a few days ago and they were at home straight away. At the moment, the Bronze are playing their favourite game of trying to stare me out when I watch the tank.

 

[jollysue]