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ok so i finally got my fish i've been wanting (african cichlid) and this is very strange?
ok so i went out town and got an african cichlid and he/she is doing fine. i had a designated tank for him but (long story short) there was a weird film on the walls (that wasnt there when i left the house) and so i couldnt put the cichlid in there cuz i was worried it would be harmful. so anyway, of course, i had to put him somewhere my only other option was my community tank with platies, danios, and guppies.
well this is the strange thing the cichlid has schooled with my platies!
arnt they supposed to be aggresive or semi-aggresive? is it just cuz hes still a baby (hes less than half an inch) ?? i know he must be separated from them cuz hes gonna get big (no worries im upgrading my tank soon, he'll have his very own tank) i just thought this was really weird hes not aggresive to any of my other fish, so is it just cuz hes still very young???
yeah like i said im upgrading my tank soon, so he can have his own aquarium , i wasnt planning on keeping him in that tank forever, i just thought this behavoir was strange
6 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavourite answer
yep i agree, baby cichlids are pretty mellow but he will start bulling the other guys as he gets bigger, plus the water you have in your community tank is not the optimal water depending on what kind of cichlid you have the water ph is going to be different, is it from lake Malawi, Victoria or Tanganyika? if you don't know, or want an average ph you can go with 8.2 - 8.4. also they like hard water, and i always add "cichlid salt" to my tank. where tetras , and livebearers on the other hand, will not live well in these water conditions., (i know you aren't going ot keep him in the community tank, but just in case you didn't know about the ph stuff)
Source(s): worked at pet store - Anonymous5 years ago
All of the neo-tropical cichlids require softer water than the Africans require. If you like Rams,try some of the Tanganyican "Shell Dwellers", instead. They are charming little fish that live and spawn in abandonned snail shells,and require the same high pH and kH that pleases your Mbuna. They won't contribute much to the bio-load and are real fun to watch. Look for Neolamprologus multifasciatus,or Neolamprologus sp."Sunspot".
- 1 decade ago
When they are small they are not aggressive, but once they begin to grow-and they do fast- they can become very aggresive especially when they are searching for a mate. Males will claim a spot to do his mating dance and are very aggressive towards any fish coming near it. Other breeds of fish are possible fish food since they don't have a clue on what is going on. Make sure there are lots of fishy condos (Clay pots/ rock caves-etc.) for them to claim and also for other fish to hide when being stalked.
We have two africian tanks, but love our two South American tanks. My son is into Jack Dempseys and pink convicts right now. We just love all of our 37 cichlids and can remember each and everyone's name.
Source(s): Many cichlid websites that I visit pretty often. Well worth joining the forum to talk with other cichlid breeders and hobbiest. - 1 decade ago
The aggression is not as much a cichlid "personality trait" as it's just a natural reaction due to their strong parental behavior. When it reaches breeding age, your fish will be inclined to establish a territory and defend it. You should have plenty of time. Luckily it happened while your fish was a juvenile.
- 1 decade ago
In time the cichlid will be more aggressive to the other fish. It is probably best to keep a cichlid alone or with other cichlids.
Source(s): Used to keep lots and lots of fish. - Anonymous1 decade ago
At that size there isn't a dominance issue.
