Dwarf Cichlids!

[Samzter]

These dwarfs are really interesting although I am starting to worry about this trio's behavior. The male constantly swims through the tank chasing any one of the females out of any of the 1 caves or hiding spots if they tend to be there. (I have about 3 nice sized caves in different areas of the tank). the females will also push each other around at any given time randomly. Although they do tend to school unless broken up or starting to hang out in a cave, then they will push each other around. Is this normal ? Should I be concerned ? A LFS guy told me to add 2 more females although I am skeptical on doing this?

edit: they have been in now for 24 hours.

Any thought ? Cheers.

If that was me I would re-arrange the tank and see if that helps. What species? The only conclusions I can come to is: A: he is looking to breed but no females are ready B: hes just territorial

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

If that was me I would re-arrange the tank and see if that helps. What species? The only conclusions I can come to is: A: he is looking to breed but no females are ready B: hes just territorial

Good advice, rearrange the tank and make the caves smaller. They should be big enough for one fish to fit in at a time. Also add some more plants and taller decor to help them be able to hide. Most likely he wants to breed with them. Also females can be a little rough on each other. IME having the right decor and enough of it makes or breaks aggression

 

[trolltek]

Good advice, rearrange the tank and make the caves smaller. They should be big enough for one fish to fit in at a time. Also add some more plants and taller decor to help them be able to hide. Most likely he wants to breed with them. Also females can be a little rough on each other. IME having the right decor and enough of it makes or breaks aggression

Thanks for both advices. I just did a pwc and re-arranged a little. Will see if that helps.

 

[trolltek]

Good advice, rearrange the tank and make the caves smaller. They should be big enough for one fish to fit in at a time. Also add some more plants and taller decor to help them be able to hide. Most likely he wants to breed with them. Also females can be a little rough on each other. IME having the right decor and enough of it makes or breaks aggression

Thanks for both advices. I just did a pwc and re-arranged a little. Will see if that helps.

What types of plants are recommended ?

 

[trolltek]

You want live?

yeah don't care much for artificial.

Currently I have:

cabomba caroliniana x3
micranthemum umbrosum x2
hemianthus callitrichoides cuba x1
myriophyllum (red , orange) x2

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Well I'm no help then. I can't do plants lol

 

[bshenanagins]

Here are my new blues, not as photogenic as my other rams but they'll come around. Got my other rams in the pics as well

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Here are my new blues, not as photogenic as my other rams but they'll come around. Everyone wanted a photo today lol

Mine still aren't I've had them for months lol.

 

[trolltek]

Here are my new blues, not as photogenic as my other rams but they'll come around. Got my other rams in the pics as well

Beautiful !! I wish my dwarfs would get along lol ..

 

[bshenanagins]

Beautiful !! I wish my dwarfs would get along lol ..

Is your tank planted?

 

[Fishman007]

New krib female!



Sorry shes a bit shy lol

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Very nice, kribs are cool!

 

[Samzter]

Very nice, kribs are cool!

I added some more plants to my tank! Hope it looks okay for my apistos when they arrive.

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Both tanks are looking good manl

 

[trolltek]

Is your tank planted?

yep , and 3 different nice caves, plants are :
cabomba caroliniana x3
micranthemum umbrosum x2
hemianthus callitrichoides cuba x1
myriophyllum (red , orange) x2

 

[trolltek]

yep , and 3 different nice caves, plants are :
cabomba caroliniana x3
micranthemum umbrosum x2
hemianthus callitrichoides cuba x1
myriophyllum (red , orange) x2

Oh and sorry I just have this trio. Females are worst (new to the species). One is constantly chased by the other. scroll back a few pages if your up to it.

 

[Fishman007]

My krib finally came out of her cave!

 

[bshenanagins]

yep , and 3 different nice caves, plants are :
cabomba caroliniana x3
micranthemum umbrosum x2
hemianthus callitrichoides cuba x1
myriophyllum (red , orange) x2

Sounds like you could use more vegetation! None of my cichlids utilize my caves, they are constantly in and out of plants

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Sounds like you could use more vegetation! None of my cichlids utilize my caves, they are constantly in and out of plants

You have rams, rams don't use caves. Apistogramma will defiantly use cave but enjoy plants as well. All dwarfs seem to like broad leave plants like amazon sword

 

[bshenanagins]

You have rams, rams don't use caves. Apistogramma will defiantly use cave but enjoy plants as well. All dwarfs seem to like broad leave plants like amazon sword

Ahh well that clears that up! I was under the impression it was synonymous for all cichlids. My loaches and Cories like the caves so it's not a total waste