Copadichromis Borleyi

[Andri Pogo]

My girlfriend bought 3 wild caught Copadichromis Borleyi 'red fin' a week ago.
1male - 2females, around 3", ~120$ each

They are in her pretty-well planted 130L tank along with a group of small plecos.

The problem is that they are always hiding way back in the tank behind the plants, all day, every day.... we never see them!
We thought it would stop after a few days but now a week has gone by with no changes...
Is this normal?

We like the planted look of the tank, but would they be more comfortable with a different setup?.

the tank, for size reference, the borleyi´s size are about the same as the moss ball width:

a glimpse of the borleyi´s:

 

[tydus]

Add some rocks. Africans appreciate rocks in their environment.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

the tank looks great though, I wouldn't change it too much if possible

 

[haynchinook334]

TAKE THE MIDDLE PLANTS OUT AND ADD SOME LACE ROCKS IN THE BACK MIDDLE PART.
open area in the front.

 

[mike dunagan]

give them more time... part of the downside of wild caught!

 

[cichlidgirl]

I agree them being wild caught are going to make them super shy for a while. In their natural environment it is rock and sand with very few plants . If you like the planted tank look and want to keep it... i would suggest that you thin out the plants leaving some wide openings for viewing and add in some rocks , try to have your plants look natural growing up against the rockwork etc... Put in short growing plants in the front and around the rocks so they cant hide as well and it will also leave open swimming areas (try to leave larger open areas between rocks and planted areas, maybe rockpiles would work good ?), just put tall plants strategically in the back corners and to hide filters etc.. my borleyi did not dwell in the rock caves but did enjoy feeding around them and swimming around and through the large wide caves i made them. I miss my red finned borleyi. Wish i had some again.

 

[mike dunagan]

Remember in the wild big things means dead. SO.... when they see movement of large objects they hide. Give them time... of course with that many plants where can they be and be seen. The tank is amazing, but too many plants for them. Maybe keep them in a different tank. I can not advise destroying something that nice looking!

 

[ikevi]

Ok, as said give him time.

NOW I have to say that there isn't a "natural" tank out there... Heck you take a fish that is used to a territory at least the size of a football field and stick them in any tank (after the stress of being transported across the glob, then from the store to your place), so sure they are going to be nervous for a while.

As for the rocks, well these are haps, hence they tend to like less rocks. And as for the plants I figure they are good since if the fish want to hide, they wont kill themselves on them.

So in other words I say you are doing just what you should. Giving them hiding space that they can't kill themselves on. And now just feed them good food and give them time.

 

[Andri Pogo]

ok thanks all for the advice!

 

[Andri Pogo]

I took out all the plants in the middle and front of the tank.
Now there are just plants along the back and sides.
Looks much better.
The Borleyi's are still hiding when the lights are on but they have started breeding At least one of the females has eggs in her mouth.
How long does it take until its safe to strip? Or should the fry be ok with the parents?
Tankmates are various plecos and 2 SAE.

Really entertaining to watch them spin & shake.

some pics, not so good since i didnt want to disturb them: