Suicidal Texas Cichlid

[xxstarcr0ssed]

We have a tank of cichlids, and usually everything is fine in the tank. But we have this one texas cichlid who literally is trying to kill himself. He swims as quickly as he can into walls, swims to the top of the tank and face plants into the rocks as hard as he can, etc. He does this until he is in shock. He eventually comes out of shock, chills for a little, then repeats the whole process again. It doesn't seem like anything is startling him, he's even the biggest fish in the tank. No other fish ever pick on him, no one taps on the tank or anything silly like that. I've seen startled fish freak out and swim around the tank, but it doesn't seem to be anything like that. Is it possible he has a neurological problem, because I've never seen anything like this...and he's persistent. It's been going on for a few days now. I'm afraid he's going to hurt another fish and I'm convinced he's going to kill himself. Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? It's so weird. Thanks.

 

[Bluetooth]

Welcome.

Whats your water stats like? Never known a fish to do this but im only a newbie lol

 

[meguro]

Maybe he has flukes?

Otherwise, he simply mightn't appreciate the decor is trying hard to move some of it around. You could try changing the layout and see what happens?

 

[snowflake311]

Have you checked your water? Fish lash out when they are Stressed. Poor water, too much movement around tank, reflections, other fish, parasites, Ph is way off, Temp too high or too low, Are just a few things that will cause stress to a fish.

Check your water ammonia and nitrites
Whats the tank size?
How big is this fish and what other fish are with it?
How long has this been going on?
Did you add new fish?


When fish freak out they are trying to tell you something. You need to look into what it could be. The only time I have ever seen my fish act like that is when I'm trying to catch them with the net. Something is very wrong.