Question About Random Things My Cichlids Do

[nukeonekitty]

I just want to make sure these are all normal action of cichlids: turning sideways while swimming, turning sideways and rubbing on rocks/substrate, taking big breathes.

I'm new to cichlids and just want to make sure these aren't signs of stress.

 

[adambrum]

Mine do it aswell i think its called flashing its the same sort of thing as the shimmy its either a sign of aggression or just a bit of flurting.

 

[denis coghlan]

Excess amounts of rubbing on rocks and substrate, is often a precursor for parasitic problems such as white spot. Its most likely just a behavioural trait but to be on the safe side I would keep an eye out for white sugar grain sized dots on the fins and gill plates.

 

[nukeonekitty]

Which fins would these white spots be on? Because the anal fin of two of the cichlids already have their egg spots so it would be hard to tell...

 

[dthoffsett]

It's usually most noticed on the tail, it will look like some has sprinkled salt on them.

As long as it's a random thing, that's just something they do, if you see anyone doing it constantly, closer observation is in order.

As far as taking deep breaths, do you mean it looks like they are gulping, and their lips make a big O? If so, that is normal, and one of my favorite things to watch. It reminds me of the fishing shows when they pull out a big mouth bass.

 

[nukeonekitty]

Yeah, I did mean the 'O' face (keep your minds out of the gutter), I also like watching it, very humorous! None of my cichlids seem to do the rubbing very often so I don't think I have to worry about illness. I will keep a close eye on it. Another thing was that my smaller red zebra will sometimes stay in caves for decent amounts of time. Is this normal or is it a sign of stress? My larger red zebra shows no aggression towards it nor do the johannis. Also, my smaller johanni is CONSTANTLY picked on by its larger counterpart. Is this just a dominance thing or is there an issue? There is no fin nipping just chasing into the same corner! THANKS!

 

[gaz guildford]

my smaller red zebra will sometimes stay in caves for decent amounts of time. Is this normal or is it a sign of stress?
my smaller johanni is CONSTANTLY picked on by its larger counterpart. Is this just a dominance thing or is there an issue? There is no fin nipping just chasing into the same corner! THANKS!

1. i have cichlids like that i think its being perfectly normal being from a cavey habbitat

2. again if there is no fin nipping and only chasing this is also normal and you only need to worry if he is getting battered to heck
when you do your water change re arrange the rock then they have to find new terratory (my spelling is crud) wich will hopefuly calm it down

 

[nukeonekitty]

Okay thanks!