Back when I was a noob and I bought Jerry she bottom sat alot. Because I still didn't know very much and there were no other signs of illness I never worried about it. She is happy, healthy and active today. Back then I attributed it to the stress of being in a new tank. Maybe that's all it is????

Have you tried small, frequent snacks to get him up and moving around? Maybe Penny is bullying him.

I am wondering if he was having a hard time finding food at first. The QT was bare bottom but my tank has some river rock.

However this morning I noticed him rushing out to be a pig right alongside Penny, so he has the hang of it now

I'm still not too worried, but I've never had a new fish mope this much.

When I add new fish, I try to feed a little more. I don't want them competing or being aggressive because of food.

I don't think that's an issue in the tank. It's a 55 with just 2 fish, neither of which is overly aggressive when it comes to feeding (it takes Penny about 5 minutes to eat...she's a big chewer)

I've got a moping, newbie fish too (OJ). No other health issues, he just likes to stay in the corner. I'm treating with salt/prazi on the excellent advice of those here at the forum. Does Darwin come out when the tank light is off? OJ is much less likely to mope when the tank light is off... his behavior is pretty much normal in the dark. I've cut back the hours I keep the tank light on in hopes that he'll be more comfortable.

Bottom sitting fish can be so frustrating, especially when you don't know what the problem is! I hope he feels better and gets more active soon.

How is Darwin doing, Chrissy?

He's great! I'll post about it now