Why's my fish doing this?

[BCherdingthefish]

I have 6 Eartheaters... 5 Altifrons and 1 Jurupari(or whatever the correct name is..don't really care)

They're all still babies, the biggest is a 6" Altifrons. He's also the one that's been going under the driftwood, grabbing sand, swimming a ways out, spitting it, and repeat. Like he's trying to get all the sand out from under it...Very bad quality pic, but this is where he does it.



I've seen him/her do it a few times these past couple days. Right now he's been at it for about 5+ mins. Theres a big spot of just plain glass because he's picked out so much sand. Any idea why?


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[BCherdingthefish]

Okay, here's better pics.

Under the driftwood:



The guilty party:




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[bbortko]

Its clearing a spot for breeding.

 

[BCherdingthefish]

Its clearing a spot for breeding.

That's what I had thought at first, since that's what my Rams do with their spawning rock...but he's not breeding age. At 6" he's still just a baby.


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[Pyramid_Party]

Just rearranging the tank the way they like it. It is normal for cichlids to move objects and sand/gravel around.

 

[BCherdingthefish]

So I've heard! I never knew that Eartheaters would do it.

 

[GrantA94]

Could be doing either of the above and at 6" He/She will be mature enough to spawn.

 

[BCherdingthefish]

Could be doing either of the above and at 6" He/She will be mature enough to spawn.

At only half grown?


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[lp85253]

YEP everything is probably OK

 

[Allan01230]

That kinda where the name "eartheaters" came from. Yes they (eartheaters) will do this constantly. Its what they do. Your'e Altrifons may or may not hit 12 inches. I had 10 in a 125 years ago and only one hit the 12 inch mark. The other maxed out at 10 inches after 2 years. Six inches is definately large enough to breed. They are fun fish to have and I miss mine. Enjoy!