Need help with sluggish Jack Dempsey... :-(

Hi all,

I recently picked up a trio of the newish Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, each about 3cm in size. About a week after getting them, one became suddenly ill, and went from active to dead in 24 hours. The LFS was kind enough to give a refund.

Now of the remaining two, one is active and friendly and growing well, but the other has fallen behind in growth and personality. He frequently hides out in the plants, or behind the powerhead, and when at the surface points his nose up like he wants to jump out of the water. He is not eating well, despite trying various foods like flakes & pellets, as well as frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and tubifex. His fins are not clamped, and he does not appear to have any fungi or parasites. He is not being badgered by any of his tank mates, yet seems stressed.

Does anyone have any suggestions to get this kid eating, and his Electric Blue puppydog personality back?

Thanks.

Well ok I will consider that, but the EBJD's are much less nasty than the regular ones. And I have carefully watched their behavior, and the larger one doesn't bother anyone else in the tank - he even leaves the regular fish alone.

FYI - I came home from work today and the two JD's were down in the plants hovering side-by-side about an inch apart, so I don't think the healthy one is picking on the sick one.