Shy jack dempsey?

[PanAntV]

I have a 6 1/2 inch jack dempsey. Great color and he is active. But when I approach the tank he shys away and hide. This is an issue when I feed them. I feed my fish a variety of food. Blood worms feeder minnows brine shrimp shrimp pellets and fish flakes. When I approach the tank to feed the fish my jd backs away and hesitates to eat. Despite being shy toward me he pretty much runs my tank. I have 2 parrots fish and a jeweled cichlid in a 125. The tank has been running for 3 weeks now. I upgraded them from a 55 to a 125. Any ideas? Please help. I feel like he isn't eating properly because of this. This was never a problem in the 55.

 

[ehh]

Sounds like a jack Dempsey to me.
In my experience, they don't deal well with change and this get worse as they age.

 

[vinod_uthaiah]

Some fishes get affected even for the slightest changes in its surroundings.
In this case for the JD , the tank and its size is completely changed and it is only 3 weeks old since up.
Give it more time....and you will see the JD will be back to itself.
Each fish reacts differently from the other for any changes...I have some red terrors and even as I am making water changes , they are eagerly begging for food , while I have a Dovii , which would sulk if I make a slightest sound on the tank.
So be sure , your JD will be perfectly back to its normal self very soon and eating perfectly

 

[duanes]

In nature JDs are always surrounded by, or below (depth) livebearers, that they watch to judge the threat of danger. This is why "dither" fish are often recommended as tank mates for JDs and other cichlids.

If a shadow appears, the livebearers quickly react, and the JDs escape to their caves.
Most threats to JDs in nature come from birds or reptiles, so an approaching shadow creates a natural flight response for them, especially if in new surroundings.

Even when surrounded by dithers and other cichlids, JDs stay close to their caves, and other rock work that they can escape into.
click on pic below to start video

 

[Manu8__too]

In my experience, JD's often become reclusive and skittish once they reach adulthood. Obviously there a some exceptions to the rule, but the norm is that they're usually an uber-cautious species. While JD's usually aren't timid towards other Cichlids, I've always found them to be fearful if people are too close to the aquarium. Personalities aside, they definitely remain one of the most colorful (as well as beautiful) fish in the hobby.