New doecor makes cichlids act strange

[True Colors]

Hi, i had just gotten a new rocky cave decoration and noticed that my cichlids are 'flipping' eratically on it. This is the only decoration they do it on though. Are they trying to tell the other fish that they are boss, or just trying to establish the new rock as part of their territory because I rearranged the tank? I HIGHLY doubt that it is ick because, there are no spots, and I have not added any new fish. I have had the cichlids for about 4 weeks and they seem really healthy, and like I said before, they only do it on this new rock. Strange huh? Love to hear your advice Thanks in advance!

 

[petspoiler]

if they usually nibble on old decor, they might be trying to stir food bits up on the new dead & barren decor. if nothing is happening they just keep trying. when some organic stuff starts growing/sticking there they'll switch to nibbling.

 

[Metriacliman]

Are they scratching? Do they do it a lot?

 

[cl0wn knife]

some africans rub on a rock to mark it as part of their territory my male Tropheus do it all the time.