2006-09-11 08:35:10 · 10 answers · asked by darkangel92832 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
How long have they been doing this? Is the same species doing it or do you have several different species of cichlids? Sometimes shaking could be females laying eggs and males fertilizing. It depends on the species of cichlids. Some are egg layers and some are live baby layers.
Off course, there is always the chance that they are sick and are dieing. Check to make sure your ph isn't too low, your nitrates and ammonia aren't too high and your water temp isn't above 78 F. Cichlids are a hearty breed, but they can die very quickly with ammonia and nitrates being to high! If it is to high, do an immediate water change. I would recommend 40% water change! Also, to balance your water's ph you can buy lava rocks. They actually effect the ph in your water and give the cichlids a great place to hide.
Good Luck
2006-09-11 08:46:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If these cichlids are african cichlids, the 'seizure-like' shaking is a visual communication display intended to attract a mate or threaten a rival. Completely normal and routine.
2006-09-11 08:53:51 · answer #2 · answered by Kay B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As well as mating behavior, twitching is often a sign of a vitamin deficiency. If you're noticing lethargy and/or loss of appetite, I'd imagine that this could be the problem. If you're not feeding a food meant for your kind of cichlid, consider getting some. Also, make sure you keep their diet somewhat varied, and feed frozen foods from time to time.
2006-09-11 10:27:00 · answer #3 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a show of aggression. Males tend to have a higher "circular" spots on their tail, called EGG SPOTS. They also shake them to attract the female for breeding.
2006-09-11 08:43:39 · answer #4 · answered by enyates2002 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure that your tank has fully cycled? If the Nitrogen cycle isn't complete, then they could be showing the effects of Ammonia or Nitrite poisoning.
How long has your tank been setup?
2006-09-11 09:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by sly2kusa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been told this can be a nitrate problem. Do they ever float slightly sideways?
Test the water and change 25% if the chemistry is bad
2006-09-11 08:47:25 · answer #6 · answered by g_tastyfish 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
usually means nothing I have a parrot fish and Oscar both chicilids my Oscar does it more but they both do
2006-09-11 08:41:54 · answer #7 · answered by C live 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there playin in the water of cause there avin fun
2006-09-11 08:38:03 · answer #8 · answered by Bipolar-Bird88 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i think it is just a teritorial thing,mine do it to!!!
2006-09-11 09:26:29 · answer #9 · answered by cute1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're telling you they want to be flushed down the toilet and set free!!
2006-09-11 08:41:17 · answer #10 · answered by dirtmerchant_12b 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋