Hiding nonstop
This looks like: chronic stress — parameters, bullying, light, or layout — not always one obvious villain
Why this happens
Fish hide when they feel watched or outranked. New décor, loud rooms, or a single dominant individual can tank confidence for weeks.
How sure are we? Broad category — test water first to rule poison out.
What to do right now
- Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate — stress without chemical reason is easier to fix.
- Rearrange hardscape to break sight lines; add tall plants or floating cover for dither fish.
- Dim lights or shorten photoperiod one hour for a week.
- Watch after lights-out — fin nipping is often invisible in daylight glare.
- If one bully: consider rehome, more females for ratio species, or move victim temporarily.
What not to do
- Don’t pile medication because fish are shy — qualify the water first.
If that doesn’t fix it
If hiding pairs with torn fins, visit torn-fins-rot-or-fighting.
Catch this earlier next time — log your water parameters in App-aquatic. Free forever.