Scared Loner?

[imatrout]

I have 8 new 3.5 - 4.0 discus in my tank. I have had them about 2 weeks and they all look good and are eating well. The problem is there's a single fish that hides all the time. It's very shy. It will come out to eat, but only after the other have eaten most of the food. The fish looks healthy, vivid color and no signs of stress. Why is this one fish just not socializing? Could it just be a pecking order issus or an odd sexed fish that is outcast?

[shaunn]

Thats the "runt" for a lack of a better term. I usually call it the omega fish, versus the strong alpha..

There always has to be a fish that is last in line. Take it out, and another may takes its place. Same thing flies in my tank, but the role as the "runt" will changes hands, er fins, once every couple of months.

[steven_askham]

I have the same situation but only have 4 discus. This "runt" doies eat and colours are good but it is not growing at all.

[kelseygirl]

I have four. "Leia" has been a loner and hidden in her corner for 5 months. Treated with Parasite Clear twice. Two days ago she just started swimming with the rest of the gang. No chasing her off anymore. Now she's eating and one of the gang. Amazing!!! You just never know. Sometimes patience goes a long way.

[cobaltblue]

I have seven juvies in a 90g tank, and mine show the same behaviors. My blue diamond was the runt for a while, now my turq seems to be the one not eating with everyone else and hiding out. If the runt shows signs of starvation, like hollow stomachs, id take it out and fatten it up in a qt tank. I lost one runt when i didnt know about these things. Poor little guy....