Why are they hiding???????

[hirschy75]

I just bought a two jewel cichlids a few days ago and at first they were happy exploring but then one of them went into hiding and now the other one has gone into hiding. They will only come out when it is feeding time. I have four cherry barbs, two rummynose tetras and three lemon tetras and they have had no problems it seems but those two cichlids ate three shrimp that I had just bought only leaving one that is to big to fit in their mouth. Help me please.

 

[Rbishop]

If a cichlid can get it in it's mouth, it is food.

 

[hirschy75]

i know that but do you know why they are hiding?

 

[Rbishop]

getting use to their new home.

 

[Russy pelican]

Besides, they're jewel cichlids. Fairly secretive by nature, as are most cichlids. They don't swim in open water in nature like a tetra. You'll enjoy them, and they'll likely breed (if they are a pair) and really color up then. And wreak havoc on tankmates... but they're worth it.

 

[con-man-dan]

Sometimes it can take quite a while for a cichlid to become acclimated and comfortable in their new surroundings. While certain species are very outgoing, others are quite timid. Examples, my keyholes and apisto. eunotus took WEEKS before I really saw them, now they're both quite active fish. Both species are in large tanks with plenty of hidey-holes and dithers about, but they just took their time showing themselves. Now my keyholes come greet me, and 3 of my 4 female eunotus are spawning with the larger of my 2 males. Give em time!