does anyone have or know a lot about cichlid fish?

Question

my friend gave me his cichlid fish and im kinda worried about it...wen it hides it kinda goes on its side..not completely but its like slanted...im seriously freaking out! I dont know what's normal and whats not!!! He hasnt been eating much either...im really worried...someone can u please help me??? the waters clean....he seems to me, to be acting weird...but then again...i could be over thinking it all..but I really dont know...can someone help??? please! thanks

Answer 1

This behavior is completely normal, I've had many Cichlids and they all do this. As for the eating issue, try feeding him right before you turn off the lights at night. I've found that Cichlids prefer to come out of their dwelling when it's dark. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

A few things here. Are there other tank mates with it? What size tank is it in? I don't think the fish moving to it's side is anything serious. Generally if this is an African cichild, I've seen this many times, and is usually the beginning of a power struggle with another cichild. From what I am reading I am not thinking this is the case however, but prehaps there is another fish comming around into what it feels is it's territory and is preparing to fight for it. Fish when they first get in a new tank are sometimes shy and take some time to set into their new home. Knowing what species you have will help and a little on your water chemistry. You don't have to take your water in to be tested, you can do it quite easily by yourself. There is nothing magical to that. Test your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to see how well cycled your tank is. Should be 0 ammonia and nitrite, and some small amounts of nitrate. Check your PH level too. Typically, most cichilds, though not all, prefer and thrive in a higher ph. Email me if you have further questions anytime you need.

JV

Answer 3

do you know if your fish is a Oscar? because i have one and he does that when he is scared,the tank you have it in could be to clean as well.If the tank you have it in has not had any fish in it put some algie tablets in the tank.also make sure the tank water is no more than 78degree's.If you are not sure what kinda cichlid it is go to yahoo.com and click on images and type in cichlids and you will see a lot of them also type in Oscar i think that might be the fish u have.i hope this was helpful.Also it is a new place to him give it time the fish should come around if not call your vet for advice

Answer 4

There are literally a thousand kinds of Cichlids,the behavior you describe would be normal for some few of them,but how can you care for a fish if you don't know what kind of animal it is?
Find out what sort of Cichlid you have and your questions will be easy to answer.

Answer 5

Take your water in to be tested at your local pet store. Though the water may be clean, the pH may be too high or low, or the ammonia could be too high. I had cichlids once and I had special cichlid food for them, maybe try that. Also, they are very aggressive fish so be sure not to put fish in with them that are not equally aggressive.