Engineer Goby

I added an engineer goby to my tank last friday, so exactly one week ago. As soon as I put him in, he found a rock and built a fort. Meaning he piled up sand covering all entrances to the rock. So nothing would come in and you cant look underneath. He has not come out ONCE! I know it's normal if they hide a couple days, but a whole week now?? He hasn't eaten once! On Monday I moved aside the sand from one of the entrances and looked in and there he was, peeking around the corner! ;D And of course about 30 minutes later I pass by and the sand if up again, protecting his fort! Im so worried because he isn't coming out to eat, and he's under a rock that has a lot of bristle worms and i'm afraid he'll get stung.

 

I had an engineer goby at one time. Mine was the same way as yours. the only way I knew he was still alive is all the work he did to his caves. I would catch a glimpse of it every now and then, but that was it. When I added it, it was only about an inch and a half. I had it for 2 or 3 years and when it died it was probably close to 6 or 7 inches long. I think they are a pretty secretive fish and don't come out much, that is why I never replaced mine.

 

I have one also that has grown in the past 6 months from about 2 inches to well over 6 inches. And he is a joy to watch and feed, now that he has overcome his shyness. The biggest issue is that he is moving so much sand out, I'm afraid of the rock caving in on him at some point. I feed him eel, shrimp and nori with a plastic feeder rod. He comes zipping out of his hole, grabs the food and disappears. But, it did take him about three months to warm up to being out of his tunnels. I say, give him time, and a bit of treat coaxing!!!