Texas Cichlid tank question

[adixon816]

So my texas cichlids or carpintis texas hybrids (whatever they may be) are doing well so far. Lots of pictures in my other thread so I will spare this one except for a tank shot. I have added a school of silver dollars as dither/target fish and the cichlids are much more comfortable now but pay the silver dollars pretty much no mind. They ate for me today no problems and the female definitely had the bigger appetite.The male likes to chase the female away from the wishbone driftwood sometimes. I suppose he is claiming this area as his own, I want to make some caves but I'm not sure the best way to do this. He does not always chase her and sometimes they stay right next to each other near the driftwood. So I'm not sure if this is territorial or some type of spawning behavior, this is my first pair of cichlids that are not Mbuna. Do I need more rocks if so what are better then the river rock I have, or do I use a flower pot for a cave I really just don't know. Also, every once and a while it seems like they are making a yawning motion they extend their mouth out fully not very often I have managed to see it twice, what is this? Any information is appreciated.

 

[adixon816]

He just did the mouth thing again, but it was to his own reflection in the glass which he is chasing up and down, not sure if this makes a difference.

 

[Azedenkae]

The yawning is just normal cichlid behaviour. Flexing muscles sort of.

You can add terracota pots as 'caves'.

 

[doomiedee]

The yawning is just normal cichlid behaviour. Flexing muscles sort of.

You can add terracota pots as 'caves'.

+1 . You could also use the river rock and flat slate rocks to make caves. IMO it gives it a little more of a natural look but if you like the terra cotta pots that works too. My Texas seem to spend more time out in the open then hiding.

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[MTBjake]

+1 . You could also use the river rock and flat slate rocks to make caves. IMO it gives it a little more of a natural look but if you like the terra cotta pots that works too. My Texas seem to spend more time out in the open then hiding.

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Yep yep. Pots will work but IMO the more natural look of rocks can't be beat. I have some river rocks stacked in my Texas tank. My Texas' rarely spent time in the rocks or caves and are usually out in the open as well.


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[adixon816]

Could you post a picture of your river rocks? I have Delaware river rock in mine but I don't have much and they are round and oblong I have more I could put in but am afraid of them falling. The pot may be the route I take but in the long term it may not be necessary I just want the female to feel safe.

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[MTBjake]

Could you post a picture of your river rocks? I have Delaware river rock in mine but I don't have much and they are round and oblong I have more I could put in but am afraid of them falling. The pot may be the route I take but in the long term it may not be necessary I just want the female to feel safe.

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Here are a few pics of a couple small "caves", but there's also a bit of driftwood in the way.


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