Torn lip

[mcybyk]

It looks like my red top zebra has a torn lip at the lower corner of his mouth. I do not know if it occurred from digging in the gravel or from one of the other tank mates. He is eating just fine and it does not appear to be bothering him. My water parameters are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 10-15 nitrates, 8.2 ph. Water changes occur twice a week.

Should I do daily water changes to make certain the water is extra clean? Should I add some meds to the tank - I do not have a QT tank to put him and do not know if that is even necessary? Is there anything else that I should look for?

[ibr3ak]

Possibly from lip locking, I'd just do plenty of water changes and avoid medding the whole tank.

[catnipgal]

What is lip locking?

[nano cichlids]

What is lip locking?


where two fish lock lips and shake back and forth:)

[Lupin]

Possibly from lip locking, I'd just do plenty of water changes and avoid medding the whole tank.
:iagree:

[Coler]

Keep nitrates below 20, add a little melafix maybe, do a daily water change for 3 - 4 days and it will clear right up presuming he is otherwise healthy.

[faun]

Cichlids tend to damage themselves fighting a lot but injuries usually heal pretty quickly extra water changes should help.

[kay-bee]

What is lip locking?

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/y2kenny19/African%20Cichlids%202008/01_bbzebrabattle.jpg

[catnipgal]

where two fish lock lips and shake back and forth:)

Sounds like a tug of war

[Lupin]

Sounds like a tug of war
Yes, it is.

[nano cichlids]

Sounds like a tug of war


yep thats pretty much it they shake a bit more of course

[mcybyk]

kay-bee - what an awesome picture. Are they yours?

BTW, the red top appears to be doing o.k.

[kay-bee]

Yes, those are mine (male zebra chilumba's, the species in my avatar; interestingly they transitioned into 'submissive' purple-lish coloration during their 'test of strength'). Quite audible too, sounded like someone biting their nails. Neither male was harmed.