Maleri Sick or What?

[dcallen]

Hi,

I have noticed the last couple of days that my Maleri is staying in a cave almost exclusively and doesn't appear to be eating much if at all. I have looked at him(or her) and I haven't noticed any signs of illness, and he is not being picked as far as I can tell. Is this normal behavior or could something be wrong? The other fish appear to be fine and are constantly swimmimg around looking for food etc. My water quality is also in good shape. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.


Thanks...:confused:

[ChilDawg]

Does the Maleri look like it's chewing something, or show any signs of maybe mouthbrooding?

[dcallen]

Hey ChiliDawg,

Well I don't think so, but I may be wrong as I haven't really concentrated on looking at his or her mouth. I can check on that further tonight. Everything else on the fish looks good, no signs of Ick, Bloat, or eye trouble, he or she just seems real shy and doesn't move around very much whether the lights are on or off.


Thanks.....

[ChilDawg]

Can you re-post what else is in the tank? It may be that the Maleri is the least aggressive of the bunch...

[dcallen]

ChiliDawg,

Sure can, here they are. They are all juveniles.

1.) 1 Yellow Lab (Male)
2.) 1 Red Empress (sex uncertain)
3.) 1 Tangerine Tiger (sex uncertain) I believe it's a male
4.) 1 Maleri Peacock (sex uncertain)
5.) 1 Regal Peacock (sex uncertain)

Sorry I don't have the latin names for them.


Thanks again...

[ChilDawg]

Okay, here goes with the sci. names:

Yellow lab: Labidochromis caeruleus
Red Empress: Protomelas taeniolatus
Tangerine Tiger: P. fenestratus
Maleri Peacock: Aulonocara maleri
Regal Peacock: A. nyassae

Unfortunately, I can't see any aggression coming from any of these fish...except for the Tangerine Tiger, if it truly is a male, he might be a little more aggressive.

[dcallen]

ChilDawg,

Thanks. I think the P. Fenestratus is a male because I 'm starting to see a light shade of blue come out around his eyes and lower body. He has chased the Red Empress around and a couple of other fish but I haven't seen him mess with the Maleri at all. I guess I'll just watch him and see what happens as long as he eats something I'll be satisfied for now. Having said that how many times a day should they be fed? I have been feeding some pellet food and every other day or so some frozen mysis shrimp.


Thanks.....

[ChilDawg]

Ideally, constantly with micro-plankton always given off, but twice a day will usually suffice. Given that they are juvies, I think a third feeding might be a good idea, but isn't completely necessary.

[dcallen]

Thanks,

I've been concerned with over feeding them. I've been feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening for the most part. They are starting to grow too, hopefully I'll be able to tell their sex soon, I hope I got lucky with all males but I kinda doubt it.