Cichlid issues.....

[Tropical Aquarist]

I've been having a few issues with my various cichlids:

First I have 3 GBR Runts (about 2", smallest ones from a breeder) in a 20L. 2 males and 1 female. The female is harassed a lot by the males and is almost completely black, with a pink belly and a few blue spangles. Should I try and remove her and let her get bigger and the reintroduce her? Other ideas?


Second I have/had 5 angels I'm growing out in a 29gal, and lost one yesterday due to popeye (somehow he got into a fight....) from the remaining 4, 2 are constantly chasing and attacking each other. Does this mean they're both male or a m/f?
I guess I should separate them?

 

[Autumnsky]

Check your water parameters, if it was Pop-eye it is usually a water quality issue, otherwise if all is good (dip stick tests are often not reliable- I most of a tank of fish to the test not reading Nitrates accurately), you have a maturing fish issue with fight for the female or fish defending a spawn.

You need more female GBR- they don't like being stressed.

 

[coralbandit]

I would pull the least dominant male of the GBR.
IMO the alpha male or the female will kill him in time.
The angels should probably also be separated IMO.
I grow out /keep both for breeding.
If it is your plan to breed either fish then just separate into pairs now/soon...

 

[Tropical Aquarist]

Thanks guys!

I read up on popeye and it can be both, but bacterial is usually on both sides. The area around the eye was also wounded so I thought it was because of a fight.


@CB, take the male or female out? I'm not planning on breeding any of these, as the Rams are Runts and not ideal stock for a good spawn....

I think I will have to rehome the Angel, as I'm not planning to breed.