Quick Question

[Ginge]

I have seen many times that in my lfs when i check out the cichlids i like if i go near the glass or put my finger near it they go for me. The guy put his finger in to show me and one nipped him and he jerked his hand away quickly like it stung a little. I am cycling my tank at the moment and wondered how on earth u cichlid owners put your hands anf stuff in the tank with maintanance and stuff or dont you ever put your hand in???
Here is my tank cycling http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=121357

 

[fishing4exotics]

Hi Ginge, I keep the very aggressive cichilds off of me with a net or just flick at them when they show agression. Most of the time they are not too bad. The ones I'm worried about are the bigger cichlids. The ones I have kept that were 12" and biger

 

[Ferris]

Mbuna can give you a nip that might shock you but its only the really big NW Cichlids that could possibly draw blood like Oscars etc. Its generally the shock that makes people snatch their hand out, it doesn't actually hurt.

 

[Ginge]

So its like a static shock doest hurt really its just unexpected

 

[Ferris]

Definately with Mbuna, my monster 8 inch Lombardoi (which is as big as Mbuna get) regularly nibbles on me when i'm feeding them or re-arranging the tank. Doesn't hurt a bit, just makes you jump sometimes.