Advice on African Cichlids

[3494here_]

I own two young African Cichlids but one of them has been attacking the other one and I’m stuck on what to do. I’ve owned other fishes, but never aggressive ones (aside from Betas) but I know Cichlids like being in company, so it’s not like I can have them alone.
What should I do?
I also attached a photo of the one that’s been bullied, because I’m not sure if it looks like an infection or if it’s permanently damaged.
(He is in a separate area for safety/tank cleaning.)

 

[tlindsey]

I own two young African Cichlids but one of them has been attacking the other one and I’m stuck on what to do. I’ve owned other fishes, but never aggressive ones (aside from Betas) but I know Cichlids like being in company, so it’s not like I can have them alone.
What should I do?
I also attached a photo of the one that’s been bullied, because I’m not sure if it looks like an infection or if it’s permanently damaged.
(He is in a separate area for safety/tank cleaning.)

View attachment 1570476

View attachment 1570477

I own two young African Cichlids but one of them has been attacking the other one and I’m stuck on what to do. I’ve owned other fishes, but never aggressive ones (aside from Betas) but I know Cichlids like being in company, so it’s not like I can have them alone.
What should I do?
I also attached a photo of the one that’s been bullied, because I’m not sure if it looks like an infection or if it’s permanently damaged.
(He is in a separate area for safety/tank cleaning.)

View attachment 1570476

View attachment 1570477

Welcome aboard
Cichlids are very territorial especially African Mbuna cichlids.
Keeping more than 2 is highly advised. The one that's injured can recover by keeping the water in pristine condition. If you don't have medication on hand add a couple of table spoons of salt.

 

[3494here_]

Welcome aboard
Cichlids are very territorial especially African Mbuna cichlids.
Keeping more than 2 is highly advised. The one that's injured can recover by keeping the water in pristine condition. If you don't have medication on hand add a couple of table spoons of salt.

Hi, thank you!
Would the salt be dependent on how much water he’s in? Is there any brand or type of salt that’s ideal or off limits?

 

[danotaylor]

This family of cichlids are called mbuna. They need to be kept in social groups with a decent amount of space and lots of rocks & hidey holes. They are one the most aggressive & territorial cichlids.
Tell us more about the set-up...how big is the tank?
The caudal peduncle is still intact, so as tlindsey said, clean water combined w 1tbsp salt per 5 gal it should heal. You could add some stress coat as well as there are areas where the injured fish has been descaled.
The other fish will be fine on it's own for now.
I buy this salt from Home Depot, it's 99.8% pure sodium chloride & is only $9 fpor 40#. "Aquarium salt" is a scam, its just salt

 

[tlindsey]

Unfortunately most lfs don't know anything about keeping and caring for african cichlids especially the big box stores.
This video should help.

 

[3494here_]

Hi, I’m posting a little update while watching him.
I still have both of them separated, but the bullied one (Tiger) is worrying me.
I changed both waters and added salt to Tiger’s, but I’m not sure if there is anything else I can do for him right now?
He still physically looks like same, with some scales being red or missing and his stomach looking pale, he’s breathing heavily, swimming less, eating little to nothing, and alternating between laying sideways on the bottom or under his plants.

 

[tlindsey]

looking pale, he’s breathing heavily, swimming less, eating little to nothing, and alternating between laying sideways on the bottom or under his plants.

Unfortunately the cichlid is extremely stressed and may not survive. I've personally had cichlids go through the same trauma.