jack dempsey pair in hiding

[Kennedy327]

First off this is in a 55gallon that with these fish being in the tank all week I tested it all week and its checking at 0 to 5 ppm nitrates so it seems that the tank is cycled and the ph is neutral. I know 2 jacks will outgrow this but they are in here for 6 months tops, growing out while I get things arranged for a new 75 gallon home.

Ok this week I bought a pair of jack dempsey's . 1 3" male and a 2.5" female. They get along good and often swim around together in the morning. Issue Im having is the female will swim about the tank but the male just hides behind a rock in the corner, about 90% of the time. I know things are still new but shouldnt that male be acclimated by now like the female. I was thinking about giving him a reason to come out and play, lol. IN the form of dithers or another cichlid.

I can get a like size convict for free and thought about that. Was wondering if that would give the couple a common threat, giving them a reason to pair off and give them a common threat which will make the male more active. Im eventually going to put the con in its own tank as the jacks get bigger and get it a mate, for free feeders.

Or I was thinking on dithers or some kind of bottom feeder. These would be nice if they could stay with the jacks, but also if they get eaten as the jacks get alot bigger I wouldnt mind to much.

[mostlycichlids]

I would put some giant Dianos or some Australlian Rainbows in at least 6 of them. That should ease some tension. Putting another cichlid in may not be the best choice. Also Jack Dempseys esp. Males are not that active compared to other Cichlids of similar size. Mine just sits around most of the time....fairly lazy. It sounds like in your case the Male is still kind of getting used to it's surroundings....He will likely come around soon.

[Slappy*McFish]

Mine usually just loaf around on the bottom behind the driftwood, as well...and only come out when they are hungry and see me. It's just the nature of the beast in question.