A single red zebra OK in a 20g?

[hslee]

Hi everyone,

I've recently had to save a 2 inch red zebra from a friend of mine as I had a spare 20g.

It was previously in a way overcrowded tank that wasn't very well taken care of. I'm not sure if it's still just stressed from the change in environment, but it seems very jumpy and doesn't show much interest in eating.

It's been a couple days and it's behaviour hasn't improved much (I saw it eat a couple flakes today, but for the most part food is completely ignored)

The tank has several hiding spots and it's dug a nice cave for itself between a plant and a rock. Whenever the light is on, it swims along the glass, going up and down like it's trying to find a way out.

Not sure if it will settle down after a few days or if it needs some friends to feel more comfortable. Thanks for any opinions, as I've never had mbunas before

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

The 20g is ok for now, but I wouldn't keep it in there long term. They get around 5-6 inches. You'll eventually want to upgrade and add more to make a group. I wouldn't add anymore now though, since its stressed.

Mbunas for the most part are herbivores, so I'd try some Spirulina based flake and maybe some fresh veggies like Zucchini and Lettuce and see if he takes interest in those.
They are also rock dwellers, so I'd try to get alot of rock in the tank and see if that will make it more comfortable.

 

[hslee]

Thanks a lot! It ate a few more spirulina based flakes today, but only when it floated directly in front of it's face. It has dug an impressive cave for itself though, so hopefully that makes it feel more secure

Is it normal red zebra behaviour to swim up and down along the glass?

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

I've never kept Red Zebras, but some of my other fish swim the glass. Sometimes it can be a sign of stress (which is understandable in your guy's case, since he moved to a new home), but alot the fish in my 29g do it (cories, otos, cherry barbs) since I changed light bulbs. It seems that they can now see their reflection alot more and since they are all group/schooling fish, my take is that they are just trying to swim with the reflection. Its hard to say which is the reason for your zebra doing it. Since Mbuna are kept in groups alot, it could be that he just sees his reflection and is trying to swim with it.