Hey guys! I bought a 9" jaguar cichlid off of someone on Craigslist 2 weeks ago. He was definitely not being properly cared for. I believe he was in a 35 gallon tank that was filthy. They told me he was 2 years old so i also believe he should be larger. Ever since I got him all he does is lay around on the bottom of the tank and he has barely eaten (if at all). I have tried blood worms, hikari gold pelts, silver sliders, brine shrimp, and flakes. He won't touch anything. Please help!!
Jaguar cichlid problem. PLEASE HELP
- Thread starter Jkitting
- Start date
I actually don't have a test at the moment but I do 25 percent water changes twice a week, and I always make sure to treat and heat the replacement water. He is currently in at 75 gallon grow out with a 110 gallon filter. The tank is currently at 82 degrees. If any of that helps
With the listing of the water parameters it would help. The fish came from a aquarium possibly a different ph due to the water quality degrading and now in your aquarium with different ph level lower nitrates. 2 weeks is an issue Jag should be eating.
Well I really appreciate the help anyways. I will buy a test as soon as possible. I'm just hoping I can save this gorgeous fish
It is common for large cichlids to be fussy about their food/tank/situation. Changes to the tank/food/schedule/tankmates can cause them to shut down with respect to food. Stimulate them by changing the above variables and they should come around. That said, sometimes there is nothingyou can do.
Big cichlids can be slow to adapt to changing conditions relative to young fish. Sometimes the solution is to let them be (let them grow into the space and come around to the new conditions), sometimes you need to push them to adapt to the new conditions. In the latter case, use dithers and a variety of foods.
What dither would you suggest? I just tried adding 3" silver dollars. He torn one in half but he didn't even eat that. He also never flares his fins if that sheds any more light on his situation