Please help stressed keyhole

[naturelover]

Hi,
So I have had my keyhole cichlids for about 3years. Originally had 4 but two were beating up on the 2. I thought they were a pair of because of this behavior. For this reason I gave the 2 they were beating up on away. But more recently I have one beating up on other and one is hiding in the corner almost completely black stressed and visually distorted. I am just curious what can I do so he is not so stressed out. If anything? All live plants, gravel substrate, a filter and a air pump. No new fish added. They were purchased together. They use to get along fine. I don't know what happened. Thank you for your help.

Tank specs

29 gallons
temp: 74F
ph: 6.5






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[Delapool]

In general I do the same and just give one away or separate. I've tried re-arranging the tank and sometimes it works but unfortunately I think tanks aren't big enough to match nature.

 

[Brookster123]

Maybe try rearranging the tank and leaving the lights out for a day?
Edit- what dela said!
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[mikem691]

If I understand u have 3 in a 29 and 2 have paired. If so you wil nerd to rehome the 1. 30 " is to small for more than a pair and that is pushing it.

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[naturelover]

Mikem I only have 2 keyholes.

I have rearranged the tank and it's seems to be helping.

Would it be better to give one away?


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[mikem691]

I would keep an eye on the 2 and make sure there is a lot of hiding spots and breaks in line of sight but if that don't work then you will need to separate them or if possible a 40B 36"x18" or 40 48"x12" long tank for them.