Panic and Angst

[HiJinx]

So, typically, when I walk into the room with the 120, my boys and girls all swim up to the glass to beg like dogs, with my O practically jumping out of the tank.
They're typically very excited to see me. When I'm working in the tank, they just swim around like normal, allowing me to gently push them aside if I need to be where they are, and letting me pet them.
But the past few days, when I walk into the room, my JD dangerously bolts to the oposite corner of the tank (ramming into driftwood and glass along the way) and hides up in the corner behind the powerhead, heater and one of the filters.
My Jag instantly bolts and hides under the big piece of driftwood and my O will cautiously drift down into the lower back of the tank.
These are all large fish and my JD is getting beat up from his panic attacks. Luckily, my 13" O isn't paniced, just cautious and unsure.
What gives?

 

[ChickenTeeth]

Has your appearance changed dramatically? Fish will change their behavior if they are not feeling well or ill.

 

[Caveman]

Fish will change their behavior if they are not feeling well or ill.

That is what I was thinking or its possible the spooked Jack Dempsey being spooked has made the others uncomfortable.

 

[boredcpl]

are they starting to fight.. maybe you have a bully in the tank making everyone skittish.

 

[HiJinx]

hehe. My apparence is the same, no aggresion that I've seen. Nothing has changed water parameter wise.
I suspect that my JDs behavior is affecting the others behavior also. So, if that's the case, any ideas why he'd be so scared lately?

Water is good, temp is good, no added fish, no changes in lighting or in environment. Basically, as far as I can tell, everything is fine and as it should be. Even my S Lima, plec, and silver Ds are fine. just the cichlids are being weird.

 

[piscavore pisces]

keep a close eye on your cichlids. sometimes when fish act that way its a sign that theyre getting sick

 

[CentralMayhem]

sounds like some PIT(pollution induced trauma) have you used any chemicals near the tank at all in the last couple of days?

 

[HiJinx]

He doesn't seem to be sick at all. He looks very healthy aside from his bumps and bruises. No chems either.
I got some new gravel for Xmas (early) so, I figured I'd start taking out the old gravel and do a massive water change.
I did about a 50% water change along with taking about 2/3-3/4 the gravel out.
Since the water change, he's calmed down a lot and seems to be back to his normal self. I also rearanged the decor in the tank and have left the xmas tree lights off. (I'm starting to suspect the xmas tree lights as his annoyance).
so far, so good.

 

[Miles]

As fish grow, even when grouped togethor as young, their personality and attitude will often change. I have noticed that many tanks have a 'fine balance' of fish, and if one or more peices of the puzzle are taken away, it results in complete chaos. Maybe something has changed, or domination has switched hands?

Also. I have noticed my fish (namely the fahaka puffer) is extremely sensative to the colors you wear.. Any bright red or orange, or black/white striped shirts will set him off.. He goes absolutely nuts, slams into the glass, and even tries to jump out of the tank..

 

[HiJinx]

That's why I suspect the Christmas tree lights. It's the only new thing in his environment. The other fish seem to be somewhat normal, with the Oscar still running the show, the Jag next down, then the JD.
I'm guessing I left the xmas tree lights on overnight a couple times and that may have been what set him off.
As far as I can tell, everything else is the same.
*shrug* crazy fish.