Shy Texas Cichlid

[VPBassist]

I purchased two Texas cichlids last week
and the larger of the two (the male) is very shy. He spends all of his time holed up in a tank decoration. I have not seen him eat as he never ventures out of hiding while I'm in room. If I hide in the hallway and sneak a peek at the tank I'll occasionally see him in the open. The second fish is very outgoing. Does anyone have tips for coaxing shy fish out into the open?

male is about 3" and the female (black dorsal spot) is about 2". They are the only fish in the tank. Both were purchased on 10/21/17. Tank is 40g grow out tank. Fish are fed 3x/day (Bio-Gold+, frozen food, Bio-Gold+ again). I do a 50% water change each day after their second feeding. Tank parameters: pH 7.0, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0. Tank has been running since 8/20/17 and I did a slow, fishless cycle.

Thank you for your suggestions

 

[duanes]

Texas cichlids, like most other new world cichlids, usually live in nature with and are surrounded (mostly near the surface) by dither fish that they watch, to determine the threat of danger (minnows, tetras, and live bearers).
They also eat the fry, and adults if the cichlid is large enough to swallow them.
If your tank is large enough, a shoal of live bearers would suit this purpose of a security blanket.
Sailfin mollies get large enough to not become meals as adults.

When the live bearers scatter in nature the cichlids hide, but in a tank without this warning system cichlids sometimes resort to constant hiding except maybe when food arrives.
Here are a few photos of JDs in Mexico, note the ratio of live bearers to cichlids.
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and a video below in a different Cenote in Mexico.
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[Andy woods cichlids uk]

The main reason for your Texas shy ness is the fact you say you purchased them last week. Some fish can take weeks and even months to settle into there new environment. Be patient and keep him hungry.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Cover from above is also helpful.
Try a layer of floating plants and/or branches overhanging from above.
With patience, dither fish and cover, your fish should soon start to feel more confident and venture out.

 

[newworld]

I've found them to be always out, I've kept many wild groups of them, currently it took them a week or so to be begging at the surface...I had a lone female act the same way. They are cyanoguttatus..

 

[Gourami Swami]

I would agree with all the advice already offered here. Dither fish like mollies may help, sufficient cover in the tank, and patience.
Also, I see you are doing daily 50% water changes? That is great, the more the better honestly, but maybe you are stressing them out when you are in the tank everyday? If they are already scared and hiding, maybe you should let them get their bearings and hold off a few days until they feel comfortable? Just an idea