Helping bullied fish in the aquarium

[mintix]

I've got 6 rescued cichlids in a 55-gallon tank, along with some platys and a pleco. The tank's got plenty of hiding spots and live plants. Recently, I noticed one of the blue ones acting strange - hiding a lot, that sort of thing. Initially, I thought it might be sick, but now I'm thinking it's being bullied by the other cichlids. Its fins are a bit tattered, which isn't helping. Would relocating it to another tank be a good idea? I've also got a 20-gallon tank with platys and 2 Cory catfish - maybe it'd be better off there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[sidthy]

I think it's best to separate the blue one to prevent further stress, but before moving it to the 20 gallon tank, we need to consider compatibility. What species is the blue cichlid, and would it get along with the platys and Cory catfish in the smaller tank?

[mintix]

I think it's best to separate the blue one to prevent further stress, but before moving it to the 20 gallon tank, we need to consider compatibility. What species is the blue cichlid, and would it get along with the platys and Cory catfish in the smaller tank?

I'm not entirely sure what species it is, it's one of the blue ones, but I've had them since they were tiny so I'm not really sure what to expect. Moving it to the 20 gallon tank is an option, but I'm worried about compatibility with the platys and cory cats. Would it be a good idea to move it to a quarantine tank first and see how it does on its own before introducing it to the other fish?

[mintix]

The 20 gallon tank, as I mentioned earlier, has platys and 2 Cory catfish. I'm pretty sure it's an African Cichlid, but I don't know the exact species.

[sidthy]

I've got 6 rescued cichlids in a 55-gallon tank, along with some platys and a pleco. The tank's got plenty of hiding spots and live plants. Recently, I noticed one of the blue ones acting strange - hiding a lot, that sort of thing. Initially, I thought it might be sick, but now I'm thinking it's being bullied by the other cichlids. Its fins are a bit tattered, which isn't helping. Would relocating it to another tank be a good idea? I've also got a 20-gallon tank with platys and 2 Cory catfish - maybe it'd be better off there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

That's a pretty broad category. African Cichlids can be all over the map when it comes to water requirements - some need it hard, some soft. And as for tankmates, some will get along just fine with your Platies and Corys, while others will see them as lunch.

[mintix]

I'm glad you're willing to research more. The issue is that African Cichlids can have vastly different needs and temperaments. Some are pretty laid back, but others can be quite aggressive. Without knowing the specific species, it's tough to say whether it'll get along with your platys and corys.

[sidthy]

"Posting pictures would be super helpful - we can try to ID the cichlid for you that way."

[mintix]

I'll attempt to get a decent photo of the blue cichlid to see if you all can help me identify the species.

[mintix]

Finally managed to get some photos of the fish. It was hiding, so that's why it took a bit. Still need to get a photo of another one that's been evasive, will post that one later.

[sidthy]

Can you manage to snap a clearer photo of the fish? The one you posted is a bit blurry, making it tough to ID. It does resemble an mbuna, but that's about the extent of my guess for now.