Rainford Goby

[dixaisy930]

Well, I broke every single one of my rules. I bought a rainford goby that they just got in that day, had a little bit of a sunken stomach, and did not eat frozen at the store. I went with my gut for some odd reason. He's in QT right now. He did eat frozen brine and frozen mysis in the bag while I was floating him. I added some of my macro from my other tank, hoping I transferred some pods. My question is if he does eat well, how long should I wait to treat for internal parasites if his stomach doesn't round out like it should.

From what I read on these guys, they aren't difficult to get to eat frozen and are fairly hardy fish in the home aquarium (once they get adjusted).

My second question is, they had another rainford at the store. And for the majority of the time I was watching them, they were together, following each other around the tank. If I can get this first one to eat and healthy, should I get the second one? I read that you should only have one per tank, unless they are raised together as juvs. I am wondering since they were palling around, maybe they have been together?

 

[Lynden]

I once owned a similiar species, the Hector's Goby. He scraped things off the ground, and did not accept flakes, frozen food. Depending on the size of your tank, that "natural" food source could last him a million years and you will never have to convince him to eat frozen food on a regular basis.

While in quarantine, you should buy some medicated food for the animal. It will kill parasites if they are present, and will not harm the fish either way.

Of course, he probably won't eat it. In that case, you could begin treatment now. It would be safer, especially since he's in his own tank. Unfortunately the treatment would more than likely kill all or most of the 'pods' that are in the tank.

You could get the second one (they may even breed for you in the future), but be prepared to take the aggressor back if one should arise.

-Lynden

 

[steelhealr]

One per tank. SH

 

[dixaisy930]

I'll just stick with the one. Even though they can start out ok, it doens't mean they'll always stay that way.

It's eaten a little dead brine, but not showing any interest in that frozen mysis. I'm going to seed the tank with some pods, and hold off on the parasite treatment. I think the stomach is getting better, but it's definately not where it should be yet.

 

[SkiFletch]

Rainsford/Hector's gobies can be a PITA to get to eat. Mine ate at the store and never ate in my tank, withered away and died . In my research on them I found they tend to like nori

 

[dixaisy930]

Did your's ever sift the substrate? I've notice mine do it a few times today, so I've been making sure I'm getting food down there for it.

Nori...now, is that the fish eggs, or the dried seaweed? I keep getting nori and roe mixed up.

 

[SkiFletch]

nori is the dried seaweed

 

[Mr Miagi]

In my research (of which only composed of other hobbysist's observations) they ate micro-fauna, and some enjoyed hair algae or turtle grass. Mine definitely sifted substrate. If it isn't eating any prepared food, id defiantly recommend keeping away from a Hectors Goby unless you treat it like a Mandarin. The bigger environment for it to self sustain the better chance you'll have of keeping one alive.

 

[dixaisy930]

Hm, I read they actually don't eat the hair algae, instead they're poking around in it to get that microfauna. The little guy is eating prepared foods off and on. Still won't touch the frozen mysis, but ate a few of the little sinking pellets I put it. Was pretty surprised, I was just giving anything a go. Also saw it poop - normal looking, not stringy - I would also assume this is a good sign?

Would roe be a good choice to try? I'll but some nori in there for it too.

 

[wflash3]

I HAVE A RAINFORDS GOBY MYSELF AND HE IS ALWAYS PICKING AT THE SUBSTRATE. TODAY I ACTUALLY NOTICED HIM GO AFTER A FROZEN MYSIS SHRIMP AND NIBBLED AT IT. I THINK WITH A GOOD ESTABLISHES TANK WITH PLENTY OF PLANKTONIC THINGS TO EAT THEY WILL BE OK. BUT FOR YOU TO SUCCESSFULLY FEED THEM FROZEN FOOD IS WAY TO HARD.

MINE IS ALL OVER THE PLACE ALWAYS PICKING AT THE SUBSTRATE AND IS A VERY HARDY FISH

GOOD LUCK

 

[dixaisy930]

The little guy is sort of in limbo. Just sifting the substrate...alot. I made sure there was some mysis on the substrate, but of course he sifted everything EXCEPT stuff with mysis on it. I think him eating those pellets was just a fluke. Hasn't shown interest in them since.

The belly is looking about the same. No better, no worse. I'm going to try the nori tomorrow (I have three different kinds), and hopefully find some roe soon. I think I'll get some turtle grass and chaeto and see if any of that helps. Also going to see if the lfs has anything covered in hair algae...of all the times for my tank to be free and clear of hair algae..lol Will also be trying to get ahold of extra pods...

Not to be bleak, but how long did it take for your rainfords to waste away?

 

[wflash3]

mine survived alot of stuff with me, when i was changing tank sizes, i took out my LR and realized he was missing from the tank!
i looked everywhere and after 3 minutes i saw him laying on the floor outside my tank!! i quickyly put him into the water and he actually made it!
ive had him for about a month and hes really active.