Can fish get scarred for life?

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

When I got my 150 gallon tank there was a convict cichlid who came with it. The previous owner told me that before she got him he was housed with two giant Oscar’s and giant catfish and he was constantly bullied. He is the most shy fish in my tank and rarely comes out and nobody bothers him. Will he start to come out more? Is this just his personality?

 

[tlindsey]

He is the most shy fish in my tank and rarely comes out and nobody bothers him.

What are his tankmates?

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

He’s with a blood parrot, red shoulder severum, EBJD,6 silver dollars, and a delhezi bichir

 

[tlindsey]

He’s with a blood parrot, red shoulder severum, EBJD,6 silver dollars, and a delhezi bichir

I would keep an eye on the blood parrot. Observe the aquarium from a distance. If not being chased by the blood parrot. I would think maybe still on the defensive from the past.

 

[Deadeye]

How long has he been in the tank?
I’d agree it might still be on the defensive side - eventually it should gain its confidence and probably will run the tank.
If everything else is larger than it, it probably is going to be scared.

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

I’ll make sure to keep an eye on it. I haven’t seen anything but who know they might be doing it without me watching.

 

[Joshuakahan]

When I got my 150 gallon tank there was a convict cichlid who came with it. The previous owner told me that before she got him he was housed with two giant Oscar’s and giant catfish and he was constantly bullied. He is the most shy fish in my tank and rarely comes out and nobody bothers him. Will he start to come out more? Is this just his personality?

From my experience, fish like that will remain shy for a bit, but will eventually start testing themselves and if they have success, they will take over. Almost like they’re over compensating. That’s what my concern would be

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

From my experience, fish like that will remain shy for a bit, but will eventually start testing themselves and if they have success, they will take over. Almost like they’re over compensating. That’s what my concern would be

Thank you. I wonder if it’s a female? It’s about 3 inches and the owner said it’s full grown. Could that contribute?

 

[Joshuakahan]

Thank you. I wonder if it’s a female? It’s about 3 inches and the owner said it’s full grown. Could that contribute?

Are you sure it’s a convict and not something like an HRP that are smaller and much less territorial and aggressive? I’ve had female cons hit 6” and males 8”

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

I’m not 100% sure about that. What’s the difference? I’ll try and take some good pictures