Why do my my mbuna vibrate ?

[nurburgring]

Sorry if it seems I am posting a little too much, but being new to the forum, I've been bursting with curiousity.


I notice a strange behaviour among some of my mbunas. The vibrate, spread their fins out wide and sometimes sink while doing this. Is there a health issue , or stress issue ?

 

[ghinksmon]

I'm not a mbuna keeper but that is common display behavior for other cichlids. Are they doing it in the presence of another fish?

 

[ercnan]

They will do it as a show for territory as as well as trying to attract a female for breeding.
Mine used to look like were having seziures.

 

[bigstorm]

My johanni would do this when i would add a new fish, kinda funny to watch. I think its just a display of territory and dominence