Convict Cichlid Male

[gacericardo]

My male that I have paried up with a smaller female looks like he is about to die every day. And every day he is still alive. He just sits at the bottom or nestles in a bush. They are together most of the time but I am not sure if they are going to breed. Is this normal behavior for him to be so docile. I expected him to be swimming around (which I have never seen). The female swims and eats all day but the male doesnt. Any suggestions?

 

[Sab_Fan]

you've never seen him swim? how long have you had him?

a first thought is a possible swim bladder problem (?)

 

[gacericardo]

I got him last week. I have seen him swim. He swim up into this plant that i have and he just sits there. He sits more than he swims. I should have clarified.

 

[4wheelin]

he may just have chosen that spot for a nest mine does the same thing. the female moves around and the male just sits in his little spot BUT if i drop the net in the tank he turns and get very aggressive as if he is guarding some thing them i saw them EGGS! i know u have only had him for a week but it is very possible u have eggs that he is guarding my male has only been in this new tank for about a week