Why do my Jack Dempsey's Hide

[boy96792]

I have three Jack Dempsey's in my tank But I hardly ever see them. For some reason they stay behind my internal filter and never Come out if anyone knows why and how I can fix this please let me know

[Lady Hobbs]

Typical of some cichlid behavior. I would walk in the room and it appeared my firemouth tank had nothing in it but rocks. Only way I could watch them was to sit across the room and wait for them to think I was gone before they'd come out. Annoying, to say the least.

[Northernguy]

What else is in the tank?
How long has your tank been established?
How long have you had the JDs?

[Demjor19]

Also...how big are the JD's? I notice that many SA/CA cichlids are shy when young, but often times grow out of it.

[phxl]

My JDs have been shy ever since I got them, maybe 6 months ago. The larger one has been starting to show herself more often though... usually tailing my Oscar around. Safety in numbers, or an extra boost of confidence when the big fish is in the lead.

I feel you though. The most out going I have ever seen them was when I fed them peas. The minute that first pea hit the water it was like watching a whole different fish! Give that a try and see if you get the same response.

[gunk]

Get some Giant Danios as dither fish. Worked for my JD.

[Katt]

Also...how big are the JD's? I notice that many SA/CA cichlids are shy when young, but often times grow out of it.

Agree, my JD took about 6 months before he grown out of it.
Just give them time...And when a little older they will be out most the time.

[boy96792]

Thanks guys. I just put six baby convicts in with them today and noticed the diff. they actually came out of hiding. Hoping they will come out more now. Again thanks for the advise.

[gunk]

Be careful with the convicts. I had a small pair of convicts with a medium sized JD and they never left the JD alone, even though he was twice their size.

[Demjor19]

^^^ I agree. If any of the convicts pair off (which they probably will), they will become very territorial and aggressive towards any other tankmates.

[BigMac]

You may want to re think the convicts. Even if they get along now, they are going to pair off, and things are going to NOT MIGHT going to get ugly in your tank.

If you really want to see them. Give them lots of cover and sedate lighting. Turn the lights off in the room and sit still.

Convicts re the bunny's of the fish world. Your going to need alot more tanks soon if you dont take them out.