is my firemouth cichlid not eating

[reef_dude]

I just got a Firemouth Cichlid yesterday and it's not eating yet. I'm guessing it's still getting used to the tank and the other fish. This is new for me since my other fish started eating right away. I'm a bit worried, so I thought I'd ask if this is normal. I read that if they don't eat within a few days, it's best to separate them from the others so they can get used to the food and me. Once they're more comfortable, you can put them back in the main tank. Has anyone else had this issue?

[coltin]

Generally, my experience with introducing new fish is they start eating within 24 hours. However, if the Firemouth came from a tank with significantly different water parameters, that could be causing stress and slowing down the adjustment process. If you have larger cichlids in the tank, it's possible the new fish is feeling intimidated, which would also explain the lack of appetite. I'd recommend giving it some time, making sure there are plenty of hiding places, and keeping a close eye on the water quality - with a bit of luck, it should start eating soon.

[reef_dude]

Generally, my experience with introducing new fish is they start eating within 24 hours. However, if the Firemouth came from a tank with significantly different water parameters, that could be causing stress and slowing down the adjustment process. If you have larger cichlids in the tank, it's possible the new fish is feeling intimidated, which would also explain the lack of appetite. I'd recommend giving it some time, making sure there are plenty of hiding places, and keeping a close eye on the water quality - with a bit of luck, it should start eating soon.

He's actually the largest fish in the tank at the moment, aside from my golden dojo loach. I've noticed him hiding behind and inside a piece of driftwood, as well as under a plant. I'm thinking he's just taking his time to get comfortable with his new surroundings.

[reef_dude]

I just got a Firemouth Cichlid yesterday and it's not eating yet. I'm guessing it's still getting used to the tank and the other fish. This is new for me since my other fish started eating right away. I'm a bit worried, so I thought I'd ask if this is normal. I read that if they don't eat within a few days, it's best to separate them from the others so they can get used to the food and me. Once they're more comfortable, you can put them back in the main tank. Has anyone else had this issue?

He's the lone Cichlid in the tank for now.

[coltin]

Do you have a tank background? I've found it can really help the fish feel more secure. Adding more plants can also make a big difference, and if your tank is really well-lit, you might want to consider reducing the lighting for a bit to help your Firemouth Cichlid settle in.

[reef_dude]

Considering you've moved the Firemouth Cichlid to a ten-gallon tank with minimal decor, I think it's best to leave it there for now. It's a good idea to provide a simple environment to help the fish get comfortable with you and its surroundings. The small log should be sufficient as a hiding place, and you can always add more decorations later. Since it had plenty of hiding spots in the community tank but still chose to hide, I'd wait until it starts eating before reintroducing it to the community tank.

[coltin]

I would suggest putting it back in the community tank with all the plants, that way it's got plenty of hiding spots and can feel more secure. Seeing other fish eat might also encourage it to try the food, you know, learning from them.

[reef_dude]

Generally, my experience with introducing new fish is they start eating within 24 hours. However, if the Firemouth came from a tank with significantly different water parameters, that could be causing stress and slowing down the adjustment process. If you have larger cichlids in the tank, it's possible the new fish is feeling intimidated, which would also explain the lack of appetite. I'd recommend giving it some time, making sure there are plenty of hiding places, and keeping a close eye on the water quality - with a bit of luck, it should start eating soon.

Thanks for the advice, I'll put him back in the community tank with all the plants today.