Advice On Pelvicachromis Taeniatus Klugger

[BFM]

I have a pair by themselves in a tank, they were moved from their original tank last week, and it was a trauma.

Since then all they do is hide under a piece of bog wood.

They have never been particularly busy, but is this normal?

 

[minnnt]

They will hide if they are alone. They need 'dither fish' to give them more confidence and to encourage them to come out.

 

[BFM]

Any suggestions?
I have kept them alone specifically because I want them to pair - they appear to have, but haven't had any eggs yet, and was told that they are then very aggressive to others - especially if defending eggs or young.

 

[minnnt]

Pencil fish. Their mouths are too small to eat the fry even if they got the chance to. Try a 50% cold water change and see if it initiates a spawn.

 

[BFM]

Wasn't able to get any pencil fish, so have put in some Danio, these have helped straight away, I will get some pencil fish tomorrow, my local shop is a bit limited, but they suggested Danio (I already had them in another tank), pencil fish look lovely so will give them a go!

 

[BFM]

Lost the male today, found him this morning. Gutted. I am certain that the tank move done him in.
Went back to shop and they had another male, he's now settling in, but has chosen to had nearly all day.... Are they known for being so shy?

 

[BFM]

Are pelvicahromis known for being so shy?