Haitiensis at Surface

[BIG_CICHLID]

I've been raising on around 20 Haitiensis from 1" to their current 2.5". Today, I removed 3 of them from the fish house to the 4x2x2 at work. Initially, they looked great, but are at the surface at the moment. The typical gasp position (45 degrees head up) is assumed. But, no gasping is adopted, just the position. It is affecting one fish the most, the largest, a male. Speaking to a friend who also keeps Hats very succesfully, he tells me that they do hang from the surface when he does water changes, or even when he's syphoning water off for a water change. I find this behavior very odd and was wondering if anyone can shed some light on it? The water parameters of home and work are the same and at home I hadn't witnessed this before when performing water changes. I don't treat my water and all my fish thrive, but this is new to me................. :?: :?: :?:

BC

 

[armac]

any chlorine or chloramine in your water?

these fish may be more sensitive to these additives

 

[BIG_CICHLID]

I had given this consideration already. GOOD MINDS THINK ALIKE!!

However, my good friend that keeps them stands his water for a couple days, thus omitting the chlorine but not the chloramine............... Hoping to hear from others that have this species that experience similar problems!

 

[twhittle]

What does stands his water for a couple of days mean?

 

[altimaser]

I have a Haitiensis and have never seen it act this way when cleaning the tank. I have only had it for about 4 months or so. I have noticed that it grows incredibly slow and doesn't like any tank mates.

 

[DarthV]

They can be rather high strung. One of mine used to stay near the surface during water changes. Then scoot behind the decorations.

 

[darthodo]

I posted this response in another forum but I figured it may get more feedback here.

I've owned several young haits and now I have a male at 6 inches. I have never had one that DID NOT hang around at the surface after a water change. I have only noticed this behavior in haits and I have asked this question before and no one has ever been able to answer the question to my satisfaction. So I guess what you are seeing is normal for haits, regardless of the cause.

 

[BIG_CICHLID]

Very strange behaviour as both Darths have experienced this as well............. ????? BUT WHY??? Blowing my mind!!

Letting the water stand means to fill a suitable container and let it sit (stand) overnight or for a couple of days.

BC

 

[BIG_CICHLID]

Here they are today with another 3 from home added. No more surface activity, even with a water change today.



BC

 

[Ruck Fules]

The matured pair i sold did the same thing after every water change and gravel cleaning. The pair that polomax had did exactly the same thing. Currently I have a 2 females and a male and they're all doing it too. All these fishes are between 8 - 12 inches.