Cockatoo Apisto/cichlid

[Bashy]

Hi all,
Bought 2x cockatoo Cichids today (1x male and 1x female). Not cheap...£25!!!!
They look lovely, but 1 (The female I think) is just at the side of the tank towards the bottom, staring out...in the cover of some plants.
The male seeems shy, but also any fish that comes near, he chases off (don't think he's attacking), got more of a problem with the swordtails.
Fed frozen food for the first time, bloodworm, and the male ate loads, but didn't see the female get any.
She looks ok (No signs of disease, although not really sure what I'm looking for)...do I have a poorly fish, or are they just getting used to the tank and are a bit shy?
Test results last night BEFORE 30% water change
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 80ppm (tap water 40-80ppm)
PH - 8


Cheers for reading

 

[waterdrop]

Cichlids (many of them) do need to find cover and establish their hiding spots. It takes some time. Your water parameters sound good so I'd give it some time. WD

 

[Bashy]

Cheers WD
Have fed my normal flakes this morning and neither seem to be eating. They are both swimming around the tank a bit more freely, but didn't seem to be interested in the flakes. The person at the shop said they would have the flakes as well. Is this true?
I was thinking maybe it's the current at the top of the tank causing them grief, I have the spray bar from the Eheim 2213 causing surface disruption. The rest of the fishes love it (especially the guppies), but maybe the Cichlids don't?

 

[Aqua Tom]

The female is just trying out hidey holes for when she has a brood. It is quite normal & she will soon find a home that she is happy with.

As for the males chasing off the other fish. This is quite normal for apisto males as they are semi-aggressive but rely on intimidation rather than pysical attacks.

 

[Bashy]

They both seem to be a bit more adventurous when the lights are off. Could they be bothering them. When I do my morning and evening feeds, the lights are on (they come on on a timer). I'm worried that they are not feeding enough.

BTW-The temp is 26

 

[Bashy]

Have just chucked in a coupe of crushed up flakes (lights off) and both were swimming around like crazy for the flakes.
Will they get used to the lights and be a bit less shy?
Am just a bit worried as don't want them to starve.

Also, is £25 a reasonable price for 2 of these?
They seem so much more expensive than the other fish I have bought.

 

[Aqua Tom]

£25 seems a bit much, but depends if you got full red or triple red ones. if so then its a steal.

 

[Bashy]

Am still worried...fed again tonight and neither fed lots really, but the female had a couple of bits, then sat in the bottom right of tank. Was just sitting watching all the food float past.
Saw her during the day and was swimming around fine. Although I have noticed the male CHASING her (along with everyone else).
Love the way the male moves, but the female just seem's very suggish.
Any more advice?

 

[Rynofasho]

It's only been a couple days. Give it time. They don't need to eat much to survive, especially if they remain inactive for awhile since they are cold blooded and won't require as much energy. Make sure you have adequate hiding places in the tank and good cover, make sure your water quality remains high, and just keep your eye out for actual physical problems other than inactivity. Some fish just take a week or so to get used to the new crib!

 

[Bashy]

It's only been a couple days. Give it time. They don't need to eat much to survive, especially if they remain inactive for awhile since they are cold blooded and won't require as much energy. Make sure you have adequate hiding places in the tank and good cover, make sure your water quality remains high, and just keep your eye out for actual physical problems other than inactivity. Some fish just take a week or so to get used to the new crib!

Thanks...feel a bit happier now. Will let them find their fins (feet)