RD shaking his head "no"

[Fubijar03]

New 6-7" RD in a 75 solo. Water Params are perfect, temp is 78, low lighting, sand substrate.

He's finally coming out of his shell after about 4 days or so, but he just started nodding his head side to side like he is saying "no." Not a vibration, a pretty slow and deliberate head shake. Only when he is in his log hideout, and nowhere else in the tank. He was in a nasty tank when I got him but he has no signs of ick that I can see.

Thoughts?

 

[Manu8__too]

Any vid of the behavior? Sounds like a breeding behavior. My old male RD used to do this when he wanted to spawn. Hard to say without seeing the fish in action.

 

[ehh]

My big guy (also an amph) does something like this when he is behind he cave.

 

[duanes]

A dominance move, many alpha cichlids do it, and since its alone in a 75.......its the alpha.

 

[celebrist]

Not the RD I thought you were referring to,

 

[Fubijar03]

I've been trying to get a video but as he is just coming out I don't wanna really bug him.

That's kinda the vibe I got, as it really started after I had my arm in the tank for something. I'm new to cichlids so if I can't find something via search I will be asking, haha.

Thanks for all of the replies and giving me peace of mind. Appreciate it!

Mike

 

[DBLN8]

Would love to see him.

 

[Fubijar03]

 

[DBLN8]

Looks like he's starting to settle in. Nice looking Amph.

 

[ehh]

he is a good looking fish. before you know it he will be a beast.