In my cichlid tank we have a large castle for them to hide in and such. The cichlid that has pretty much taken residence in the castle since day 1 seems to have been ousted by the male of one of our male/female pairs. Fish #2 is, in fact, pretty much keeping EVERYONE outside the castle. (The female of that pair is hanging out underneath where the filter flows into the tank, as she always does, acting like it's her own personal jacuzzi.) My husband got too close to the tank, and it copped attitude with HIM. Should we be expecting the pitter patter of little fins sometime soon, or what? This is our first cichlid tank, and we've only had it since summer, so we don't know exactly how cichlids are supposed to behave.
2008-12-18T14:53:41Z
I mostly have absolutely no idea what kind of cichlids I have. The one that got ousted from the castle I know for certain is a firemouth cichlid. And he is NOT happy. Beyond that, I am ashamed to say that I identify my cichlids as "the blue ones," "the yellow ones," "the albino ones," and "the dorkfish" (don't ask.)
2008-12-18T14:57:28Z
Tank is probably not as huge as it should be, but we didn't know that until it was too late and we had everything set up and running for a while. It's a 36 gallon. 8 fish. 3 male/female pairs (2 yellows, 2 blues, 2 albinos), 1 firemouth, 1 dorkfish. There has been little to no aggression in the tank until this bit of weirdness. Now everyone in there just seems a little freaked out (except for female albino, up there in her jacuzzi.)
2008-12-18T15:00:20Z
And also, we have nowhere to move them. All are other tanks are nice peaceful community tanks. Tetras. Platies. Cory cats. Happy happy little fish. We also have noplace to set up another tank. We have pretty much filled up every available space with a tank.
2008-12-18T15:07:20Z
2 albinos most likely Albino Red Zebra. 2 blues possibly Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid. 2 yellows most likely Electric Yellow Cichlid. Dorkfish probably a Red Devil.
John2008-12-18T14:45:54Z
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First of all, what kind of Cichlids are they? There are about 2000 some species. Secondly, how big is the tank? Until you give us that info, we can't help you much. They could be egg layers, and the eggs are in the castle, or maybe one just wants the whole castle to himself. Most Cichlids shouldn't be kept in pairs, but in a 1 male:3-5 female ratio. I can't be sure without knowing what kind they are though. Edit your question or e-mail me, and I can help you. That is how most Cichlids behave though. They claim their territory and defend it.
If you don't know what kind of Cichlids they are, check out http://liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=830 On the left side, there are links to "African Cichlids" and "N.W. Cichlids" Just look for pictures of the kind you have and when you figure it out, tell us.
Those Africans are mouthbrooders, so look at the females mouths. They should be very large, like they swallowed something they shouldn't have, if they're breeding. By the way, get the red devil out FAST. Those things can be so mean, they'd kill a whole school of piranhas. He'll eat the Africans whole when he gets bigger.
Well Cichlid by Definition means "Evil spawn of satan that will destroy all other fish" LOL
I have tanks of both South Americans and Africans and I wouldn't give them up for the world. Such interesting fish.
If you have a pair that just took over a castle you should be expecting baby's soon. They will pick out a spot of cave or rock and clean it and lay the eggs. The female will fan them and the male will guard the area and chase away all comers. The other fish should really be moved unless you tank is huge. They will be beaten until they are dead. Tell me what kinda fish you have and the tank size please. I will be able to better help you.
Well I would watch out for the Dorkfish, I hear they are real carzy mean LOL
Yellows and Blues you say huh ????
Seems to me like you have africans and South Americans in the same tank, not good. Not only do they requir diffent ph levels and conditions to live but they will kill each other off. And 3 pairs in a 38 gallon WOW, your in for some dead fish down the road. They may work when youg but wait till they grow up or breed and you are gonna lose more than a few. I'm guessing that you will only have one mated pair left at the end.
The best thing I could tell you would be to search online for all your fish, Find out which are which (Africans or S.A) and get rid of one group. Better you give them away than have them die on you later, and they will die, make no mistake about it. Here's a site that will help you identify, look under the african and new world Cichlids. Good Luck
Ya so as you can see, I would get rid of the red devil and the fire mouth and keep the africans or keep the firemouth and the devil and get rid of the africans. Your choice although the red devil is sooo much more aggressive than any of those fish so he may just want to be alone. The fire mouth may not be able to handel him. Also if you keep these guys together the americans will outgrow the africans and mr. dorkfish will destroy them all. One of the meanest cichlids you can buy that Mr. dorkfish. Also on the african side the red zebras get mean too. Good Luck again.
Do the yellow and blue ones look like these? www.efishcam.com/wp/fish-cam These are Kennyi's (Pseudotropheus lombardoi), I have a few of these in my own tank and my #1 male is extremely aggressive! He will charge the tank when I walk up if he is not happy with something.
more than likely in a few days to a few weeks you will have babies. Start checking with a flashlight in holes and in dark areas of the tank when you feed them. Its the easiest way ive found to find babies. also turn out the lights in the tank while you look. The babies will be less afraid. Good luck
i don't have a ton of experience with cichlids but i'd put my money on the "pitter patter of little fins". cichlids can be excellent parents and will do everything they can to protect the clutch of eggs and the fry... depending on the type you have of course.. i'm sure there are always exceptions to the rule.