I HAD 11 Fish

[Luca Brazzi]

And they all seemed to be getting along very well. They chased each other around, but for the most part, they were a group. Even the Chipokae (who so far seems to be pretty docile although it IS still small... 2.5"). Anyway... I added a 12th... I rearranged the tank and after a day or so, the 12th was accepted as part of the group... one of the boys (girls). So... this weekend I went and bought 3 more. A Peacock, a Scieanochromis (sp) Ahli (Electric Blue Hap), and a Red Empress. Now I have a total of 15 fish in the tank.

HOWEVER.

The last 3 Ive added so far have NOT been accepted as part of the group.

They are forced to hide, and stay low. If they show their faces, they are immediately chased out of sight. There are 2 fish (small guys about 1.5") who seem to act as the guards. If any of the 3 new fish come out, the guards chase them back to the corner.

The only time I see them come out into the open for an extended period of time is during a feeding when everyone (including them is too busy).

Any thoughts?

Maybe I need to feed more? You know... maybe the fish think that there isnt enough food to go around for all 15 so the 3 newbies must be kept in check... If I feed more everyone will relax?

Im feeding Spirulina flakes.

[Faramir]

Fish don't think that clearly.

Try rearranging the rocks. Forces everyone to find a new territory.

[Tightdog1]

i agree with FARAMIR in that you should rearrange the tank again, and maybe try a water change too.

[Luca Brazzi]

I did both... I drastically rearranged the rocks. I also did a 40% waterchange at the time I added the new fish. However, even now (2 days later). There are 2 fish in the tank that constantly keep the new 3 that I added in specific areas (In one corner, and hidden under rocks). Everytime one of the new 3 show their face there is a fish waiting there to chase them back into hiding. There are 2 or 3 fish that do the chasing. Of the 3 new fish I have YET to see ANY of them outside of their designated areas except at times of a Spirulina feeding when everyone is going berzerk. 2 of the "guards" also do not stray far from their posts. Im not suggesting that the fish are acting as a team (you know... with a commander etc.). Its probably just a coincidence.

I need to get some video of it...

[azriel]

outta curiousity... how big is the tank? how many caves/rocks do you have?

[Mattimeo]

Also, M. chipokae are predators in the wild, often eating the fry of other cichlids along with inverts and any small fish they find. They need more protein in their diets than most mbuna. OTher predatory melanochromines include interrupus, melanopterus (type species), loriae, lepidophage (scale eater), baliodigma, and a few large, long snouted unidentified species.

[Luca Brazzi]

Its a 75 gallon and there are LOTS of caves. Lots of Lava and Tuffa (sp) Rock, more than enough spots for everyone to have their own spot.

Today I noticed that the 3 "new arrivals" have been venturing out a bit more. I think that they just need to realize that they will be chased, and to chase back instead of contantly running and hiding.

Strange enough... so far the Chipokae seems to be one of the more timid (doesnt chase others that much) although that may change with time.

As far as feeding, most of the time I feed Spirulina, but every couple of days I feed Spectrum pellets (presoaked of course).

[DavidT]

When you rearrange the rocks do you remove the existing fish first? I do this whenever I add another fish because I have a theory that the fish are intelligent enough to know that the territory is still theirs because they watched you move the rocks.

Think about it, if you stood in the middle of your lounge and someone came in and moved the furniture around, would you think you were in someone elses house? I don't think so!!

David

[Luca Brazzi]

Interesting...

I do notice that when I move the rocks around, they all spend alot more time low in the tank for a couple of days. I guess they are mapping possible escape routes all over again.