My cichlid is afraid of light

[Raveno4]

They don't come out in the light, they just stay in their caves. They're also super scared of me, I mean they'll hide in their separate cave the moment I come near. I usually keep the tank light off for 20 hours a day, but some sunlight still gets through the blinds, so it's medium light in there all day.

[hillsman]

I'm guessing you've got a pretty rocky setup in that tank of yours, but honestly, the more hiding spots your fish have, the better they'll feel. African cichlids, right? I'm assuming no plants in there. You might want to try covering the top with some water lettuce or something to cut down on the lighting.

[wingbeat]

I'm curious about your setup - how many fish are in your tank? Got any pics you could share? What's your feeding schedule like, and do they come out to eat?

[Raveno4]

I've got 3 Electric Yellows, one of which is in quarantine due to illness. I'll try to get a pic of my setup when I get home from work, using my smartphone. I feed them around 9-10 pm, and they only eat once I've left the room with the tank light off but the room light on. They usually eat the food once it reaches the bottom.

I have plenty of rocks in the tank, a rock structure with 4 or so caves, and a fake stump. I don't have real plants, but I plan on getting some in a month when I change the substrate. I've read that cichlids can destroy plants, so I'll have to choose wisely. Thanks for the water lettuce suggestion, I'll definitely look into it.

[wingbeat]

I think you're running a bit low on fish and hiding spots. While Electric Yellows aren't exactly schooling fish, they do seem to thrive in groups - I've seen those coral reefs on TV, and I imagine it's similar for them.

Honestly, I'd skip the plants for now. They're not exactly native to the Electric Yellows' environment, and they tend to get destroyed in the tank anyway. More rocks and caves would be a better bet, and maybe some more fish to keep them company.

As for feeding, try doing it as soon as you turn the lights on, and only when you've got time to sit by the tank. Do that for a few weeks, and they'll start to associate you with food.

[Raveno4]

I've started doing that, they're coming out now. Time will tell, I guess.