Sick or possibly pregnant

[Samt123]

Hi guys I have a 20G cichlid tank with conditions that I believe are optimal for the fish. I have 3 cichlids in here two that I think are female and one that I think is male. The larger female one started moving rocks around today in the tank and the other female has been floating diagonally at the top. I’m attaching a photo. Both of them seem to have the “egg spot” on their fin. The one that’s diagonal and at the top seems to have a bloated stomach. Can anyone help?

 

[james99]

Usually when they hang at the top like that they are being harassed. What are the other 2 fish in the tank? A 20g is too small for most African cichlids. Water conditions may also help.

 

[Samt123]

Usually when they hang at the top like that they are being harassed. What are the other 2 fish in the tank? A 20g is too small for most African cichlids. Water conditions may also help.

The others are slightly bigger cichlids, one is is moving rocks around and showing signs of breeding

 

[tlindsey]

The others are slightly bigger cichlids, one is is moving rocks around and showing signs of breeding

Remove the one up in the corner if possible

 

[Niki_up]

Cichlids hold territories near the bottom of the tank, the cichlids up in the corner is trying to escape the dominant cichlids territory...unfortunately your tank isn’t large enough for it to escape and it is now near the top as far away if it can physically go.

I would suggest getting a larger tank

 

[Samt123]

Remove the one up in the corner if possible

Gotcha, acclimating him into his own 10G tank right now. Anything else I should watch out for?

 

[tlindsey]

Gotcha, acclimating him into his own 10G tank right now. Anything else I should watch out for?

Just make sure the remaining Cichlids are getting along.

 

[The Morning]

Any chance of pictures of the other cichlids

 

[Samt123]

Here’s a photo I just took of them in the corner together

 

[Samt123]

Any chance of pictures of the other cichlids

Yes!