dovii still a bit shy at 12 inches

[Azedenkae]

I agree that he (and cichlids in general) should have hiding spots if they feel the need to hide.

Anyways, you could also try adding some dither fish. Dovii may be open water fish, and are real beasts, but they still have their own predators. Dither fish would coax him out more.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I think dovi grow too large to be kept in home aquariums personally. A 24 inch open water predator has no place in in a glass box.However this is just my opinion and lots of people do try to keep them.I do however feel your tank is too small for a dovi, even at its current size. it is probably nervous as there is no where to run.

 

[JONNY CICHLA]

I think dovi grow too large to be kept in home aquariums personally. A 24 inch open water predator has no place in in a glass box.However this is just my opinion and lots of people do try to keep them.I do however feel your tank is too small for a dovi, even at its current size. it is probably nervous as there is no where to run.

yes your probley right on that! think its something like a foot of tank space(territory) for every inch of Dovii " so a 24inch wolf is going to need a swimming pool !

But you can say the same to all those red tail cats that are kept for few months in that 4 ft tank

 

[Stanzzzz7]

You can say it for lots of species.My local fish shop is selling pangasius catfish at the moment.They are labeled up saying maximum size 8".
For a shoaling species capable of reaching 5 feet it's criminal.
Even smaller species like oscars and green terrors for example are often kept in tank four feet or smaller.
It's a real shame but I can't see it changing any time soon.

 

[HumanBean]

I agree with Jonny cichla, with shy dovii dimmer lighting gives them a lot more confidence. Or throw a female in with him, his attitude will change real quick

Or female will be swimming upside down

 

[Ihsnshaik]

You can say it for lots of species.My local fish shop is selling pangasius catfish at the moment.They are labeled up saying maximum size 8".
For a shoaling species capable of reaching 5 feet it's criminal.
Even smaller species like oscars and green terrors for example are often kept in tank four feet or smaller.
It's a real shame but I can't see it changing any time soon.

It's like keeping a goldfish in a bowl for a tank. They get about a foot long and just cruel lol

 

[JONNY CICHLA]

Think about the fish before you put him in a small tank!

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Think about the fish before you put him in a small tank!

Well said,I couldn't agree more.

 

[HumanBean]

Think about the fish before you put him in a small tank!

Is this a real picture ? If it is then this is crazy, fish can't even move and one can see stress in face

 

[JONNY CICHLA]

Is this a real picture ? If it is then this is crazy, fish can't even move and one can see stress in face

yes mate! was guy in Hong kong " wonder how big his net was he tried to catch the with