I think most of the problems are started with an improper sand bed. This species needs to have a 7 inch minimum sand bed, and 12 inches would be ideal. These fish are found in the wild on sand beds outside the reef. They have holes that go deeper than 12 inches. I would assume that most that keep them have 3 to 5 inch sand beds if they are even running a
deep sand bed. Also this sould not be fine sand, but rather coarse
crushed coral. Sand collapses and dos not provide structure for the hole. I think this is the problem that most people have. I'm sure if you gave him the proper tank with an adequate sand bed he would never leave his hole, and never think about committing suicide. They do need the large chunks of food that you said it would only eat. They are not grazers or scavengers, so small inverts are what you need to feed them(not tiny). They are also social fish that often live in large groups. I am not sure if this has anything to do with it, but who knows. We have all heard the stories about the pairs of clowns and one dies and the other dies of a broken heart. This is true, and it does not only happen with fish. There are also many species of birds that can not survive without thier partner for unknown reasons. Depression is not only for crazy women, but for animals too.
