Shy stage for American cichlids?

[Bobby2415]

I was just wondering if it is common for the larger American cichlids to go through a shy/hiding stage. If so, is there an approximate size that this typically starts/ends. I know there are a lot of different variables to be thrown in as well but here is my current situation;

90 gallon tank with;

(1) Amphilophus Amarillo (4”-5”)
(1) low grade flower horn (3”)
(1) Dovii (2”-2.5”)
(1) Senegal Bichir (5”-6”)
(1) Lima Shovelnose Catfish (5”-6”)
(1) BN Pleco (4”-5”)
(2) Silverdollars, (1) giant Danio, (3) Serpae Tetra
(Remaining dither fish from past)

Dovii and Flowerhorn are pretty up and center most of the time. Amarillo was like that but has recently started staying near the bottom being shy/hiding. Amarillo is actually the tank boss so I was just curious if he is just going through a shy stage or not. All fish eat very well.

My overall goal is to grow these fish up until they outgrow or become incompatible with each other, choose the one I like the most, and keep it as a solo wet pet. I’m currently leaning towards the Amarillo as long as he comes out of the shyness he has going on.

Any input is appreciated, thanks.

 

[fishguy1978]

The flowerhorn will need solitary as it will not tolerate the presence of others. Please don't buy GMO. The Dovii will most likely need to be housed alone as well. The Amph may be ok with house mates but not if they are the fh or D.

 

[beau1990]

The dovii is out unless you have a massive tank for him later as they get huge. The flower horn will fit in there long term, but probably be the only fish in the tank(not fans of tank mates) the bichir could work with the lima, possibly with the sd's the serpae and giant dancing will become food sooner or later

 

[Bobby2415]

The flowerhorn will need solitary as it will not tolerate the presence of others. Please don't buy GMO. The Dovii will most likely need to be housed alone as well. The Amph may be ok with house mates but not if they are the fh or D.

Did you read my post? Particularly the ending.

 

[Bobby2415]

The dovii is out unless you have a massive tank for him later as they get huge. The flower horn will fit in there long term, but probably be the only fish in the tank(not fans of tank mates) the bichir could work with the lima, possibly with the sd's the serpae and giant dancing will become food sooner or later

But as to the question on the post title?

 

[beau1990]

Generally they seem to, mine did

 

[duanes]

Most cichlids are instinctually aware that as juvies and young adults they are bird food, so hiding is normal until they become large enough to avoid all but the largest birds, at around a foot long.

Above and below is cichlid habitat in Colombia, and their predators.

Unless a tank has a lot of overhanging plants, this shyness may persist, or unless they can watch dither fish to judge aerial threats.
I have kept both dovii, and A. amarrillo, and although haven't kept a FH, have kept trimaculatus (one of the species FHs were derived from).
A 90 is obviously too small for an adult dovii, and even not much space for an adult amarillo, they can reach @ 15" (maybe if it is the only fish in the tank).
Mine were never overtly shy, but I never kept them in anything smaller than 6ft tanks, even as juvies, and always kept a lot of terrestrial plants as overhanging cover.



One of my current cichlid tanks below, and the type plant cover used.

 

[fishguy1978]

Did you read my post? Particularly the ending.

I have read others state that theirs have or are currently. DMD123

 

[Gourami Swami]

A lot of factors that go into it. Duanes gave a good run-down. Overhanging decor and "dither fish" usually help the situation. Some fish will be more shy than others of the same species as well. Can you post a picture of the tank.

 

[Bobby2415]

Most cichlids are instinctually aware that as juvies and young adults they are bird food, so hiding is normal until they become large enough to avoid all but the largest birds, around a foot long.
View attachment 1443697
Above and below is cichlid habitat in Colombia, and their predators.
View attachment 1443698
Unless a tank has a lot of overhanging plants, this shyness may persist, or unless they can watch dither fish to judge aerial threats.
I have kept both dovii, and A. amarrillo, and although haven't kept a FH, have kept trimaculatus (one of the species FHs were derived from).
A 90 is obviously too small for an adult dovii, and even not much space for an adult amarillo, they can reach @ 15" unless it was the only fish in the tank.
Mine were never overtly shy, but I never kept them in anything smaller than 6ft tanks, even as juvies, and always kept a lot of terrestrial plants as overhanging cover.
View attachment 1443699
View attachment 1443700
View attachment 1443701
One of my current cichlid tanks below, and the type plant cover used.
View attachment 1443702

Thanks for the info!