I'm new to cichlid keeping, is it normal for a couple to have been visibly bitten?

[xsamrlx17]

I thought that everything had turned out fine, as far as no compatibility problems while accumulating my small/medium sized Africans. Although today I noticed that two of them have been visibly bitten Is this something that is normal/bound to happen, or does this mean I need to make some changes? Also, I've been advised to feed them everyday in order for them not to take out their hunger on each other, so am I doing that right? Answers much appreciated.

 

[boadams87]

Oh that's normal with Africans. They are establishing territories. Do you have plenty of hiding places for them.

 

[herp_mommy]

What size tank? How many fish? I have a 125gal malawi set up and have NEVER had aggression issues.

 

[garfy]

It's not normal.If you get the right mix of fish in the right size tank aggression should be at a minimum.

 

[HUKIT]

Oh that's normal with Africans.

That's not normal for any species of fish whether it's new or old world cichlids, there is a huge difference between some slight chasing and actual physical damage.

What is the stock list and tank size?

 

[boadams87]

I meant with the chasing and establishing territories