Very shy Nicaraguan.

[coryjac0b]

I added a 3-4" Nicaraguan along with a 2"-3" carpintis about two weeks ago. The carpintis is very out going and always out. The Nicaraguan is very shy and skittish. I have an IP cam setup to watch the tank when I'm away and don't see any aggression toward the Nicaraguan. The nic will sometimes chase the carpintis shortly. There is also 8 giant danios that are super active and always out and a smaller 1-1/2" rokteil Severum. I see the nic in the cam come out and grab at food off the substrate after I am out the room.

Are nics typically shy and timid?

 

[Black Tuna]

Yes

 

[moneysink]

I have kept both from fry to adults and wouldn't be to concerned about the nic being shy at the moment, provided it isn't being bullied by the Texas.
Nicaraguans tend to punch well above they're weight when it comes to holding their own. Despite being labeled a "peaceful" cichlid they can be pretty aggressive. My nic which is about 7inches is a couple years old and still spooks if I move quickly by the tank but he will still come out and beg for food when I enter the room. Just wait it out, some cichlids are just dumber than others.

 

[duanes]

I take issue with the term dumber.
What makes a dumb fish?
Is it a fish that blindly accepts a new territory and large dark shadow without suspicion?
Is it the ability to to flee from a predator dumb?
In nature humans (along with birds and reptile) are the most common predators, and mostly appear simply as shadows.
To me the dumb fish is one that comes up and is curious, because in 99 out of 100 cases ends up someones dinner.

That said, I find until nics are comfortable with their surroundings they will be shy, and if put with other aggressive cichlids tend to not show their great colors..
And they do best in trios, or small shoals of their own kind, with surface dwelling dithers as tankmatess. Mine spawned regularly in this environment, and raised many broods in that situation

 

[coryjac0b]

I have bit observed aggression towards the nic only from it. I thought about adding more but the LFS only had the one. Thought about adding a group of smaller cichlids that would breed maybe convicts. Is that a bad idea?