Young Flowerhorn tries to eat gravel

[JunhoxPark]

I bought a young flowerhorn about 3-4 days ago (approx. 2in from tip to base if tail) and he’s acclimated really well and swims around, follows my finger, has a ferocious appetite and all his black stripes have faded away from stress since i got him. I’ve been noticing he really likes to what looks like chew the gravel, is that a problem? slightly worried he might accidently swallow one because he usually spits it right out, should i change my substrate?

 

[J. H.]

A lot of fish like to move the gravel around. He'll probably dig holes and build hills. Shouldn't be a problem for anything other than your aquascape.

 

[JunhoxPark]

A lot of fish like to move the gravel around. He'll probably dig holes and build hills. Shouldn't be a problem for anything other than your aquascape.

I definitely don’t mind him changing the scape, the gravel was chosen to boost his coloration (not sure if it really works) I guess i’m just a little worried for the little one.

 

[adnan]

Moving the gravel is a natural behaviour for Flowerhorns, it’s in their genes.

In the video an example of my flowerhorn couple of years ago

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I bought a young flowerhorn about 3-4 days ago (approx. 2in from tip to base if tail) and he’s acclimated really well and swims around, follows my finger, has a ferocious appetite and all his black stripes have faded away from stress since i got him. I’ve been noticing he really likes to what looks like chew the gravel, is that a problem? slightly worried he might accidently swallow one because he usually spits it right out, should i change my substrate?

That's normal for most cichlids. Is this your first fish, or first cichlid

 

[SmokeyDaScarecrow]

My Jack dempsey does it all the time don't stress

 

[JunhoxPark]

That's normal for most cichlids. Is this your first fish, or first cichlid

First flowerhorn, i have had many cichlids and some now but i’ve always had a sand substrate

 

[SmokeyDaScarecrow]

First flowerhorn, i have had many cichlids and some now but i’ve always had a sand substrate

ahhh most people prefer gravel

 

[Dainbramage]

Bare bottom tanks are best IMO. Much better water quality

 

[JunhoxPark]

UPDATE: IN A PANIC!!!!!

I saw him yesterday doing fine and this morning when i went to feed him i noticed his stomach area is bloated.... i’m worried if maybe he accidentally swallowed a small one and can’t pass it or if he actually has bloat. I haven’t started anything for treatment as of yet but i have done a water change of 50% in the chance it’s parasites any tips would be great