Why is my cichlid at the top?

A fish may linger near the surface because he’s trying to breathe more easily. Remember, fish breathe dissolved oxygen—not oxygen that is already combined in the H2O molecule. Naturally, these dissolved oxygen levels tend to be higher near the surface, where interaction between air and water takes place.

How do you tell if your cichlids are happy?

You’ll know your cichlids are happy if they exhibit the following signs of happy and healthy cichlids:

1. Healthy appetite.
2. Active swimming.
3. Flared out fins.
4. Shaking or shimmying fins occasionally.
5. Bright and vibrant colors.
6. No blemishes or white spots on the body.
7. No abnormal growths.
8. Clear, normal eyes, not cloudy or bulging.

How do you fix bloat in cichlids?

Supplement the use of antibiotics with the addition of Epsom salt at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 to 10 gallons and by raising the temperature to 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Malawi bloat is usually treated with metronidazole. If the fish is still feeding, metronidazole-dosed foods can be used.

Why do African cichlids swim up and down?

This is when fish constantly swim up and down the sides of the aquarium glass. One reason they do this is stress. It could mean they aren’t happy in their environment, for one reason or another. Watching out for signs of stress and taking action to reduce it can go a long way toward keeping happy, healthy fish.

Why is my cichlid hiding in the corner?

If a fish has been recently added to the tank, the most likely cause of hiding is that it is simply feeling nervous about its new surroundings. Given a few days, a new fish should become comfortable with its new home and spend more time out and about.

Why do cichlids shake?

Most cichlid movements are either threats or flirting. Shimmying or shaking of the fins and tail are usually signs of flirtation. I’ve also seen circular chasing and nipping or kissing (where the two fish grab each other’s mouths) prior to mating. Chasing across the tank is more often a sign of aggression.

What do cichlids like in their tank?

African cichlids prefer rather crowded tanks with lots of natural rocks and plants. Having plenty of places for cichlids to hide allows them to better divide up the tank into habitats and prevents fights between the fish. A crowded tank also mimics the cichlids’ natural habitat and makes them feel more at home.

Is bloat contagious in fish?

First, dropsy is not contagious. However, if one fish does become affected, other fish in the same fish aquarium — particularly those of the same species — could also be at risk.

Why do fish get dropsy?

Dropsy is a condition in fish caused by the buildup of fluid inside the body cavity or tissues. As a symptom rather than a disease in its own right, it can indicate a number of underlying diseases, including bacterial infections, parasitic infections, or liver dysfunction.

Is Epsom salt safe for fish?

Epsom salt may be used as part of dropsy treatment by isolating the sick fish in a separate “hospital” tank, then adding Epsom salt at a rate of 1/8 teaspoon for every 19L of water. Never use aquarium salt, or any other type of sodium, to treat a fish with dropsy: It may worsen the condition.

Do African cichlids jump out of the water?

African cichlids have been known to jump out of the water occasionally, so it’s a good idea to have a sturdy lid on your tank. The water in the tank needs to be “cycled”, meaning it needs to be changed every other week, or weekly, depending on how dirty the tank gets. As fish produce waste, the nitrate levels in the tank water rise.

What is wrong with my cichlid?

Your cichlid is suffering from something called Swim Bladder Disorder (sbd). A fish’s swim bladder is the organ fish have which enables them to swim upright and maintain their buoyancy. When it becomes infected, blocked or too full of air it ceases to function properly. The way to treat this is: 1) Change 25\% of the water in the tank

How to choose the right tank for yellow lab cichlids?

The tank must have a correct density of water, a maintained pH and water temperature, a particular hardness of water, and common water adjustments. The water stage and density must be in accordance with the pure habitat of yellow lab cichlids.

What is the ideal water temperature for African cichlids?

The ideal water temp for African cichlids is a fairly flexible range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This should be plenty to allow you to make them comfortable and also accommodate their tank mates.