Cichlid depression.

[Aski247]

Ok so it sound weird I know. But....

Due to work and a social life I am often out and about for extended hours. 12+.

When I return home.(only at night time) when I turn on his tank light I notice he is often (I'd say 80% of the time) sluggish and pale in color.

His water conditions are all in order. The only time it changes is after live feedings. Which is once a month.

He is a single fish, and it truly does seem like he is just totally bummed out I was gone. After about 5 mins he is back to his normal self chasing me around the tank wanting to murder me (or playing as I like to call it).

I do show his tons of attention as he is my fav of all my tanks. I'd say roughly 1-2 hours a day.

Could this really be what it is? I don't know how else to explain this other then my poor guy is just lonely during the time I'm out.

 

[absolutangel04]

So, he is pale and sluggish when the light is off and perks up when its on?

 

[Aski247]

Yes. I think I'm gonna have to break down and buy a timer for the light on his tank.

 

[absolutangel04]

Most all fish get pale and sluggish when the lights go off. Thats normal. It sounds like he is just "sleeping."

 

[Aski247]

The thing is my other fish don't display this kind of thing. Mainly speaking of my trimac as he is more so similar to the RD.

 

[absolutangel04]

When I turn the lights on in my community tanks, some fish are pale and take awhile get going, some are swimming around like nothing happened. It varies. It totally sounds to me like the fish is just resting when you turn on his light. Also, some fish colors will show up paler than others. It depends on the exact type of pigment/light reflection that makes up the color of that fish.
Assuming all the water params are in order (which you said they were) and the tank is big enough, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Aski247]

Makes total sense. I guess it kinda just struck me as odd when getting home tonight after a long day and seeing him not so happy to see me as me to him. (ugh.. Such a fish nerd) haha

 

[absolutangel04]

Does he play with toys? Some of them will push around ping pong balls and stuff. I genuinely think he is fine, but you could try a ping pong ball or floating ring for him if it makes you feel better.

 

[Aski247]

He looooooooooves his ping pong ball. I often have to take it out because he starts to annoy me hitting it so hard he knocks it into the hood/light. Haha.

 

[absolutangel04]

Nice! I think they are pretty cute with ping pong balls, though I can understand the sounds getting annoying.
Well, its a good sign that is playing with it though. That is just further evidence that he is a happy fish.

 

[Aski247]

Well thanks for helping put my mind at ease... I know it's silly to think that. Sleeping does seem more like a rational explanation. And I hope he's happy my fish are so spoiled rotten. I swear they eat better then I do. I don't remember the last time I bought shrimp for myself... And I love shrimp!!! Hahaha.

 

[absolutangel04]

No worries. Its always better to ask and put your mind at ease than to sit and worry about it. You sounds like a really good fish mom though.

 

[Aski247]

Nah... Single dad. LOL.

 

[absolutangel04]

Whoops! Sorry about that! I should know to just say fish parent. Lol.
Well, you sound like a very good fish-dad.

 

[Malawi Freak]

Most all fish get pale and sluggish when the lights go off. Thats normal. It sounds like he is just "sleeping."

+1. Totally natural.