keeping the red zebra cichlid (metriaclima estherae)
keeping the red zebra cichlid (metriaclima estherae)
I've got two Red Zebra Cichlids (Metriaclima estherae) in my 36 bow-front gallon tank. They'll be moving to a 54 bow-front gallon tank once they're bigger - about 2.5 inches each. The problem is, one of them is bullying the other something fierce. The other fish is super stressed, really skinny, and always hiding in the corner. I'm pretty sure they're both males, but to be honest, I'm not entirely sure how to sex them. I was thinking, maybe introducing a couple more - possibly some females - would help reduce the fighting.
Re: keeping the red zebra cichlid (metriaclima estherae)
When it comes to cichlids, overstocking can be a good thing, just make sure your tank is fully cycled. This can actually reduce aggression, as the fish will have less time to focus on each other.
You'll want to create a lot of hiding places in the tank, I'm talking lots of rock scape. Every little nook and cranny is beneficial to these fish, it's like a safe haven for them. The more, the better.
Now, overstocking does mean you'll need to over-filter, I recommend turning your tank over at least 6 times per hour. My tank is a bit bigger, but I've got it set up to turn over 10 times per hour, and it makes a big difference.
You'll also want to do regular maintenance, I recommend doing it 1.5 to 2 times more often than you normally would. And make sure to test your levels daily or every other day.
I'd also recommend switching out the black gravel for some marine-grade coflake gravel. Cichlids like their pH around 8, and this type of gravel will help keep it there.
And, I know this is a lot to take in, but I'd also recommend using Seachem's pH and Ammonia alerts. They're easy to find online and can give you a heads up if anything goes wrong.
As for sexing your cichlids, it can be tough when they're young. But one thing to look for is the "egg spots" on their anal fin. Males usually have these, and some can have more than one. But, it's not always accurate, as some females can have one egg spot too.
Males are usually brighter and more colorful than females, and size can be a factor too. Some species even have different colored males and females.
So, the best thing you can do right now is find some more tank mates for your pair. It looks like you might have two males, and that's just asking for trouble.
More tank mates and more rocks are the way to go with cichlids. Just make sure you keep up with your water changes and filtration.
For a tank your size, I'd recommend checking out the Demasoni. They only grow to 5" max, but like you said, you'll need a bigger tank eventually.
Hope I didn't put you to sleep.
You'll want to create a lot of hiding places in the tank, I'm talking lots of rock scape. Every little nook and cranny is beneficial to these fish, it's like a safe haven for them. The more, the better.
Now, overstocking does mean you'll need to over-filter, I recommend turning your tank over at least 6 times per hour. My tank is a bit bigger, but I've got it set up to turn over 10 times per hour, and it makes a big difference.
You'll also want to do regular maintenance, I recommend doing it 1.5 to 2 times more often than you normally would. And make sure to test your levels daily or every other day.
I'd also recommend switching out the black gravel for some marine-grade coflake gravel. Cichlids like their pH around 8, and this type of gravel will help keep it there.
And, I know this is a lot to take in, but I'd also recommend using Seachem's pH and Ammonia alerts. They're easy to find online and can give you a heads up if anything goes wrong.
As for sexing your cichlids, it can be tough when they're young. But one thing to look for is the "egg spots" on their anal fin. Males usually have these, and some can have more than one. But, it's not always accurate, as some females can have one egg spot too.
Males are usually brighter and more colorful than females, and size can be a factor too. Some species even have different colored males and females.
So, the best thing you can do right now is find some more tank mates for your pair. It looks like you might have two males, and that's just asking for trouble.
More tank mates and more rocks are the way to go with cichlids. Just make sure you keep up with your water changes and filtration.
For a tank your size, I'd recommend checking out the Demasoni. They only grow to 5" max, but like you said, you'll need a bigger tank eventually.
Hope I didn't put you to sleep.
Re: keeping the red zebra cichlid (metriaclima estherae)
Thanks a ton, Paradiddle. Your advice is super helpful. I really appreciate the time you took to respond. I'll definitely look into adding more tank mates and creating a better environment for my Red Zebra Cichlids.