Reclusive Fish?

[finchfarm]

A few weeks ago we bought a couple of Silver Dollar who are currently about the size of a quarter. I read before getting them on the internet that these fish were shy, but I didn't think they were quite this shy. Since we've gotten them they've probably spent about 90% of thier time hidden behind one of the bigger plants we have in the tank. They never come out when the tank light is on and they never come out if some one is sitting there watching the tank. Usualy the only time we ever see them out is if all the lights are off and we happen to come around the corner, turn the light on and catch them out in the open. We've had them for about a week or so now, and I've yet to see them eat anything, even though I've delibrately placed food back in the plant where they like to hide. But then again, we bought a Red Hook a few years ago, who, although he didn't hide, I never saw actually eat anything until we'd had him for about a year. He still doesn't like to eat anything if anyone is standing there watching the tank, but the minute to walk out of the room or sit down and pretend you aren't watching him, he'll eat.

Anyone else have reclusive fish that you hardly ever see come out?

 

[Jamesham]

quite alot of fish can be very shy when you first get them. dont turn the lights on suddenly just to see the fish, it will scare them silly and will just make matters worse.

 

[CFC]

Silver dollars are schooling fish that need to be in large groups to feel secure, personally i wouldnt keep less than 6 together.

Are the plants live plants?

 

[finchfarm]

Nope, not live plants. I didn't want live since I heard that they like to eat them, and I'm sure the Red Hook we have would also like to eat plants.

We don't turn the lights on just to see them. When we do watch them its usually in the afternoon or early evening and they never come out. I have medication I have to take at night, and in order to get to the kitchen I have to walk past the tank and that's usually when I get to see them out, when no one's sitting at the table and there are no lights on (until I have to turn the kitchen light on anyway).