Yellow Electric Cichlids Scared?

[fishpinoy]

my aunt gave me about 10 of her yellow electric cichlids to start off my 70gallon tank, and ive noticed that they always hide in the tank when i walk by, they are never swimming around. i try to watch them because i find watching fish is relaxing, and they are always hiding when im there? is this normal? i wonder if they think im ugly?!?! lol jk!

this is what they looked like the first two days (they were active and sorta swimming around)

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Aw-JmbjAY

(note: i removed the guppies from the tank and put them in another tank i have)

so far, the temps have been stable at 24–26 °C (76–78 °F). and i only have a ammonia/ph reader, and right now the ammonia is at 0, and the ph looks to be 7.5ish. i don't have a nitrate nitrite reader, but i think i'll pick one up today... also i did notice that late at night when its dark.. and i walk into the room and turn on the lights.. they are swimming around, but then they immediately run and hide..

any ideas?? i plan on getting more cichlids in the tank , probably some blue cichlids.. maybe more fish will help them realize that its safe to swim around?

 

[fishpinoy]

bump? anyone?

 

[dthoffsett]

Likely part of the reason you haven't had any replies is that not that many people on here keep mbuna (rock-dwelling cichlids of Lake Malawi, Africa). You also might have better luck posting in the African Cichlid section in the future.

From looking at your video, I'd say some of the problem is that you really don't have enough rock-work for the labidochromis caeruleus (electric yellows) to feel safe. IME they are a bit on the skittish side. You also didn't mention how long you've had them, it may take them awhile to get used to you. I found spending time sitting directly in front of the tank quietly for a little while each evening got them used to me faster. And of course, once they figure out you=food, they'll be a little more friendly.

As for further stocking, because mbuna are aggressive you really need to pick tank mates carefully. And because common names can vary from store to store, scientific names are best. If you can source them, I've found pseudotropheus acei to be an excellent choice. Like l.caeruelus, p.acei are fairly peaceful (by mbuna standards), and because they spend most of their time out in the open, tend to work as dithers for the l.caeruleus.

I'd suggest some further reading on the fish you are keeping before adding anything else. As well as investing in a liquid test kit including ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Mbuna don't deal with a cycling tank very well, so you'll want to make sure your tank is fully cycled before adding anything else. Hopefully this will get you started, if you have any more questions please feel free to ask. -Dawn

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