Rainbow cichlids

[SherLar]

I picked up 6 rainbow cichlids (Herotilapia multispinosa) about a week ago from a LFS. They're sub-adults, about 2-2.5 inches. I have them in a heavily decorated 40g by themselves currently, with water parameters of 8.2 PH, 0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrites, 20 ppm nitrates.
I've never had rainbows before, and they don't seem to behave like typical C Amer cichlids. They tend to hang out in a group in one corner of the tank near the bottom, behind several pieces of decor. They venture out at feeding time readily enough, but once they're finished eating, back to their corner they go.
Does anyone have any experience with these fish? Is this normal behavior?
Also, is there an easy way to sex them?

Thanks.

 

[mbkemp]

I picked up 6 rainbow cichlids (Herotilapia multispinosa) about a week ago from a LFS. They're sub-adults, about 2-2.5 inches. I have them in a heavily decorated 40g by themselves currently, with water parameters of 8.2 PH, 0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrites, 20 ppm nitrates.
I've never had rainbows before, and they don't seem to behave like typical C Amer cichlids. They tend to hang out in a group in one corner of the tank near the bottom, behind several pieces of decor. They venture out at feeding time readily enough, but once they're finished eating, back to their corner they go.
Does anyone have any experience with these fish? Is this normal behavior?
Also, is there an easy way to sex them?

Thanks.

I have two pair. Mine stay in their own corners as pairs. They are in a 40b also. The boys will be bigger, I will try to attach a photo showing a pair.

 

[mbkemp]

The male is in front. Dorsal and anal fins are longer he is much bigger

 

[SherLar]

Thanks, mbkemp. I don't think mine have began to pair up yet, but I'll keep an eye out for it.