Adding new cichlid

Hi does anyone have any advice on adding a new adult tank mate to an established tank as i just lost my latest aulonocara to bullying r.i.p fella


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

During a large water change.(they all huddle together in one location they forget about rivalry)

Rearrange decor while introducing so territories haven't been established...I've done both with great success

But I bet others have other ideas that work better


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

The most important piece of advice I can give you from hard experience: never add just one.

Even if that means you have to pull two and relocate them temporarily so you can add back three at a time, do it. You already know you have aggression in the tank. Chances of new guy escaping unscathed is small IMHO and IME.

changing decor helps, but probably won't save his life . . .

I've personally never been able to rehabiiltate a bully. They usually get an escort to another tank.

Do it with the lights off so he's not immediately targeted (during a water change and décor rearrangement if possible)

You might have better luck introducing a number of young males at the same time vs. trying to introduce one full adult.

Rearranging and distracting - feeding/water change/night time are also good advice.

Thanks for your comments i did a big water change and moved the decor but to no avail so i think next time the add more than one option is the best , i have added younger fish in the past and they have been fine , but this was the first time i have fade an adult . I was obviously disappointed as my tank seemed peaceful . Evidently i upset the balance as normal practice has now resumed . I like the idea of removing a couple and then adding them back with a new guy , it seems to make sense . Thanks very much I'll try that next time


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app