Jack Dempsey's

[FishyPastor]

I was given for free, yes free a complete 55 gallon setup with wood stand and all the decorations and a breeding pair of Jack Dempseys with there young. The fish range in size from 4-7 inch's. We moved the tank to my home this past Monday. What surprises me is that Jacks are supposed to be aggressive and mean etc. But these fish are wimps, every time you go near the tank they scatter and hide, and at times I fear they might hurt themsleves due to the violent way they try to flee. The previous owner had the same issue. Any thoughts?

[Alpo]

Very interesting. Mine was very skiddish for about a week and then tried to take over the tank. Even though he'll puff up his fins and sometimes try to charge at other fish, He's just a push over.

Congrats on the new setup btw

[FishyPastor]

The only fish in the tank are the Dempsey's.

[Crispy]

maybe they're not comfortable because they have no territory in the tank... is there a good amount of decor in there in for them? Cichlids aren't particularly fond of bare tanks.

[Red]

Agreed, try adding some rock work, driftwood, plants anything that can create territory and hiding spots. Caves are also nice too.

[btate617]

If you have anything in the tank that is sharp they will cut/scrape themselves on it when they run to hide. It may be tough to decorate the tank in a way so they dont hurt themselves in a 55gal with 7" fish.
You could try adding some Dithers to the tank to try and get them to come out and not be so skittish.
Make sure the lid is tight also as when they freak out the may jump from the tank.
You may need a bigger tank as they get bigger but until then just keep up on water changes.
Once they get comfortable, which may require more room, they really are a cool fish to keep. Good luck with them.

Brian

[Northernguy]

Have you got a pic of the tank and the fish if possible?
It might help us out!

[btate617]

Another thing I just thought of, try leaving the light off on the tank for a few days. Let them get comfortable, I have some fish that if I put them in a tank that has a light on it they freak out. I now only have one tank in the house that has a light above it. Also if your light is really bright maybe try a dimmer one that may help.
Remember the light is for our sake, the fish could care less as the light in the room is plenty for them.

Brian

[FishyPastor]

The Tank ifs full of a large of racks for hiding places. I will keep the tank light off and I will try to get a picture. Thanks

[thatcichlidguy]

They're probably skitish from the move and the massive change in the scenery. The big swing in water quality may also have them stressed. It could take as long as a month for them to fully settle in and be comfortable in the new environment. be patient and give them time to get comfy. As long as they're eating some and not leaping out of the tank they'll be OK.

One other note, a 55g really isnt a suitable home for several dempseys. Most would consider it only barely adequate for a single adult. When you get a chance to ,upgrade to a 75 at least and for now I'd remove and rehome some of the smaller juvies as well to avoid conflicts and over stocking.