scared fish

[mkbuckham]

I recently received two very timid Jack Dempsey's, the smaller is 3 inches the larger 5 inches I have them alone in an established 75. I hope two breed them at a later date so I do not want to add dither or any other fish that would interfere with breeding but these fish hide all day. they have several caves and lots of driftwood, the tank is planted and both fish have very healthy apatites and are overall very healthy. They were in a freinds fish room and had peace and quit all day and now are in a display tank in the dining room in a house of 8 people. Is there anything I can do to make them more "active" ?

 

[Rbishop]

It may take a few days for them to get used to the new tank and activity around it.

 

[nano cichlids]

i agree with rbishop, although ive had jacks that are skittish for life, the reason for that is the previous owner either keeps them with large aggressive fish or always has there hands in the tank. usaully barb or large schooling fish bring mine out but you said you wanted to breed them

 

[mkbuckham]

It has been two weeks, the watercondition is great and mimics the last environment they were in, light cycle is same, I think they are just timid. Is there a fish that would provide them some comfort but not bother them if the breed?

 

[nano cichlids]

barb do great for me tigers and green tiger barb are what i use..