Shy Cichlids

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Logy

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Sep 27, 2006
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North Bay, Ontario
So I recently got a Firemouth and a Green Severum for my 55 gallon tank. I have rock work and many flowerpots for hiding places and cover. I got the fish 3 days ago. How long typically will it take my severum to be more trusting? He's not darting for cover all the time now. There's one cave in the middle of the tank that he prefers to hang in. I have Wardley Floating Medium sized cichlid pellets, shrimp pellets and algae wafers. I've crumbled flake in my hands. The Firemouth seems to only be eating the sinking flakes at the moment. I've heard that both of these cichlids are generally shy. I also have them in there with a common pleco. The pleco is at around 5 inches right now. I realize he'll eventually grow out the tank. Would you recommend dithers with these 2? Or should I give it a little while yet?

Sorry for going on a rant
Thanks
 
You could go either way. It might take your fish a week or so to get use to the tank and you watching them. You might be able to speed up the process by buying a few dithers like zebra danios. That might do the trick of helping your cichlids feel more secure.
 
And your severum will love you for feeding it fresh lettuce--mine love romaine. If you use a suction clip at the tank front, he'll be forced to come out more. They'll get used to you gradually--remember, they're also in a huge "empty" space--no other fish zipping around.
 
Severums are by far my most favorite of all the South American Chiclids. They're hardy, only mildy aggresive, not fussy about feeding, tend have individual personalities with generous 'fish smarts', look fantastic (if you have a red head), and don't tend to outgrow the tank. Trust me, it won't take long for your Severum to quickly learn to beg for food. The firemouth on the other hand, once it gets a bit bigger, might take over one half of the 55gal and be a real dink in terms of defending it's territory. An established Severum would hold it's own, but if both fish are introduced at the same time I'd keep an eye on the Firemouth.
 
Ya, I've introduced them at the same time. The Severum is quite a bit bigger than the firemouth. The firemoth certainly isn't shy. The presence of the firemouth will often lure the severum out of hiding. It's quite fun to watch. I'll keep an eye on the firemouth though.

I put a piece of rommane lettuce in the tank. He or she has definately been curious about the piece of lettuce.
 
As long as the Severum is bigger you might not have a problem. Once the Severum sees the firemouth backing down things will likely stay that way.

I've tried veggies with my gold and green severums, but they just turn their noses up at. They love earthworms and other critters though.
 
i have three green severum,three firemouth that are housed in a 90 gallon.at the moment all is going great.all still rather small about 2.5 for the severum and just a little smaller for the firemouth.i also credit my rather large but very peacefull clown loach "8 inches"to keeping a balance.i have alot of shelter for all who need it.
 
Well it's amazing what a few days will do for a severums confidance. Today and yesterday my severum has been swimming about the tank proudly. His colors are more pronounced. He almost has a light blue or green coloring through his dorsal fin. His fin is usually erect and there is one dark stripe near his tail. He just looks amazing. This little guy is full of personality. I've been feeding him floating cichlid pellets, shrimp pellets, bloodworms, flake.

I'll get pictures soon!
Sev is my new fav!
 
I used dithers with my Dempsey. It worked perfectly until he chased down and ate all the dithers :(
 
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