Why is my parrot cichlid hiding, dull, and being bullied? What to do?

Remove them or provide more cover (plants and hides) for the other fish to hide or escape. When fish hang near the top, it is usually due to low oxygen levels, low water temperature or improper water chemistry. It could be related to the different filter or the water change. Confirm proper water temp and use a test kit to check water chemistry. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm (parts per million) and nitrates should be 40 ppm or less. Monitor chemistry closely until you know how the new filter operates. Make sure it is rated for the size tank you have to ensure adequate filtration. Correct imbalances using chemical treatment and additional partial water changes using aged/conditioned water.

Cichlids can become aggressive when breeding, so if you have more than one male in your tank the spot in question may be an injury. As long as the aggressive behavior stops, the fish should heal. Minor infection can usually be managed by maintaining water quality and water parameters. Test the water to rule out elevated ammonia or nitrite levels. Partial water changes can be done if levels are above 0.25ppm (parts per million). A bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) can be used as a general tonic to improve gill function, treat minor infection, reduce stress and aid in recovery. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt in a cup of tank water and gently pour it into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days adding just enough salt to replace the water being changed. If the condition spreads, separate the fish out to a hospital tank and use a broad spectrum antibiotic. You can find one in the aquarium section of the local pet store. Follow label directions carefully and remove the carbon filter insert if indicated.

I think you need to give them more time. Don't try to mess with them at all right now. Ignoring them is best. Don't even offer food for 24-48 hours. They will not perish without eating for a couple days. Do not introduce any other fish or items into the tank until they adjust. That will just cause more stress. Hold off on the electric cichlids for now.

Thanks for reaching out about your parrot cichlid. Melanin pigment (black) is an immune response in fish, indicating an infection or inflammation. Whether this started as n infection, trauma or other, is unknown. A veterinary visit with an experienced aquatic veterinarian, should be able to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. Always check and correct water quality (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates). Good luck.

If he is the smaller or smallest fish, he may be getting harassed by the others. A 20 gallon is not ideal for that many fish. Confirm stable chemistry, especially ammonia and nitrites. High nitrates aren't as worrisome unless there are large swings in nitrate levels. Check the water temp as well. Low temps can affect activity and appetite. If possible, move the Pike Cichlid to a different tank or move everybody to a larger tank. A 55 gallon would be the minimum since some of your fish will grow quite large. Those Plecos can reach 24 inches in the right tank. Eventually, you will need a much larger tank.

Hello and thank you for your questions. Here is a helpful link about Blood Red Parrot Cichlids: https://www.petsmart.com/fish/live-fish/goldfish-betta-and-more/blood-red-parrot-cichlid-4034863.html Here's another link about cichlids in general: http://www.tetra-fish.com/fish-type-landing/cichlid.aspx These fish can grow to be large so you will want to start with a 30 gallon tank minimum. I recommend to start with 3-4 fish. These can be housed with other fish but they need to be within the same 'community'. Decorations are important because they give fish a place to hide. Provide a few large rocks, arches and covered areas where fish can hide. Then you can place the plants around the structures. Live plants can aide in providing healthy water. Tetra is a good fish food brand. They have been around a long time and have many varieties to chose from to meet your fish's needs. Make sure to supplement with fish as described in the article as well. Lastly, the frequency of water changes depends upon your tank including water hardness, number of fish, size of tank, filtration system and if live plants are present. A good rule of thumb is a 25% water change every 2 weeks. Cichlids may not be the best choice for a first time fish owner without doing some prior research. I recommend to read up on general aquarium care, cichlid care and to stop by your local aquarium store to discuss any issues specific to your location (such as water hardness, mineralizations within the local water or low/high pH levels). Local stores that specialize in fish and aquariums are often dialed into the local water and can provide a lot of helpful information. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

While it is not uncommon for one bird to bully another, it certainly isn't behavior we want to allow or encourage. Birds can become ill, withdrawn, malnourished, and experience physical trauma from bullying behavior. I usually recommend owners try to determine what might be causing the bullying (disputes over food, water, toys, perches, cage space, attention, etc.). If you can figure out what the cause is you might be able to stop it. For instance, if the female is being picked on every time she sits on a particular perch you can remove that perch and add a few more options so they don't have to share. I have also had owners who have gotten a second cage and will separate the two birds for a few days when one bird starts to pick on the other. It is also not a bad idea take these guys to your veterinarian to make sure there isn't a medical problem with either bird. It can certainly happen that if one bird gets sick the cagemate will target the sick bird with bullying behavior. Best of luck with your little pair, I hope this was helpful!