Why is my cichlid Spazzing?
If your fish is twitching and rubbing on rocks, the cause is more likely poor water quality or parasites, and not an intention to mate. Skin parasites such as white spot or costia will especially cause twitching in your cichlids. If it does, parasites are the cause, but if not, it is probably water quality.
Why are my African cichlids rubbing on rocks?
It is a protozoan parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It has a complex life cycle, including a free-living stage and a parasitic stage that causes cysts in the skin of fish like African cichlids. They may cause African cichlids to rub themselves on rocks to try and dislodge the parasites.
Why is my African cichlid laying on the bottom of the tank?
Cichlids are more territorial when there are less fish in the tank and may hang out at the bottom to defend a favorite part of a grotto rock. Most cichlids instinctively feel secure in a rocky biotope and will try to remain hidden along the bottom if your aquarium only contains plants.
Can cichlids recognize their owner?
After recent research showed that aquarium fish can be thought to identify the faces of their human owners, the Tanganyikan cichlid has now demonstrated how facial recognition is used in the wild.
Why do cichlids change color?
Many fish, cichlids included, often display color changes and color fading. These may be short term as induced by environmental stressors, mating, and other stimuli. On the other hand, some changes may be longer term, ontogenetic changes that are typical of the species.
How do African cichlids mate?
Mouth-brooding African cichlid mating occurs something like this: the male digs out a cave (nest) for the female and lures her in by doing this silly fin shaking dance (there’s also a disturbing “kissing” version). She lays her eggs in the nest and he fertilizes them.
What is flashing in cichlids?
Flashing is a behavior fish utilize to itch their bodies, most commonly associated with parasitic infections. Since they do not have limbs or nails, they must use their environment to scratch themselves. Signs your fish are itchy include missing scales, bruising or trauma to the head and fins.
How do you know if your fish is dying?
Loss of appetite. Weakness or listlessness. Loss of balance or buoyancy control, floating upside down, or ‘sitting’ on the tank floor (most fish are normally only slightly negatively-buoyant and it takes little effort to maintain position in the water column) Erratic/spiral swimming or shimmying.
Do cichlids have memory?
In a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology, researchers from MacEwan University in Canada found that African cichlids have a memory span of at least 12 days.
Do fish get bored?
Just like any other pet, fish can become bored, too. And while they won’t chew up your shoes, keeping them occupied will ensure they live a healthier life. Bettas particularly enjoy moving them around the tank, but just about any fish will be curious enough to check it out.