Hey ya'll. My paratilapia polleni (Madagascar) "Jack" is between 4 and 5 inches. He's lived by himself for the most part since I got him back in beg. of June. About 5 weeks ago I put him in my 55g with 6" Turquoise Sev, 7" BGK, 4" Rainbow Shark, and 7 various cories. For a good while, the Sev continued to rule the tank, and would occasionally "bait" the polleni, who is extremely shy--it's an early morning/late evening species.
All of a sudden he started pounding back--he's a husky boy with a big underbite mouth--and I was afraid he would kill my Sev, so I moved Jack into the 44g in solitary confinement. Since then he's been hiding constantly among rock work. Water params are perfect, 0,0.10. I don't know what to do--if I get another cichlid that is aggressive enough to deal with Jack, could it kill him? Possibly. Do I get a bunch of quick dithers which could also end up as dinner? Or do I just leave him alone? I looked for a female, although the research and postings on other forums show that they probably will fight too. He looks very unhappy, on gravel, tail is clamped, but he's healthy, eating frozen bloodworms, etc. I've left light off, on (low wattage) with same behavior. Any thoughts or musings?
All of a sudden he started pounding back--he's a husky boy with a big underbite mouth--and I was afraid he would kill my Sev, so I moved Jack into the 44g in solitary confinement. Since then he's been hiding constantly among rock work. Water params are perfect, 0,0.10. I don't know what to do--if I get another cichlid that is aggressive enough to deal with Jack, could it kill him? Possibly. Do I get a bunch of quick dithers which could also end up as dinner? Or do I just leave him alone? I looked for a female, although the research and postings on other forums show that they probably will fight too. He looks very unhappy, on gravel, tail is clamped, but he's healthy, eating frozen bloodworms, etc. I've left light off, on (low wattage) with same behavior. Any thoughts or musings?
