desertrefugee

Folks, I think I have a fish in trouble. My 65g with assorted Africans has done very well. Minimal violence and most residents are even "friendly" toward one another.

One of the earliest inhabitants, a Cobalt Zebra (Metriaclima callainos) was once the dominant animal in the tank - harassing all comers and generally a bully - even to the larger Kenyi (Metriaclima lombardoi). Suddenly, over a week ago, he essentially "retired" to the rocks and pretty much does not come out, even to feed.

He shows absolutely no sign of physical damage, nor does he exhibit any other visible sign of trouble - other than his being a complete recluse. He literally has not taken nourishment in over a week.

I once cursed his aggressive nature, now I'm afraid he is dying. He truly is one of the prettiest fish I have. I'd hate to lose him.

Any ideas?

Attached Images

Cobalt Zebra.jpg (936.7 KB, 49 views)

gmen4life

ok could you post pictures? especially of his or her head could it be a she and possibly holding? mine hide like that when they r holding............id like a front pic of its head close ups please and good luck id hate to see you lose a good looking fish like that!

desertrefugee

You're not the first to suggest that. I do have other Metriaclima species in there - a Red Zebra and a Kenyi. Lip-locking fights were observed only once between the Cobalt (now in hiding) and the Kenyi. I thought only males did that.

No sign of injury, so I'll keep watch for fry...

Getting a photo right now is difficult without breaking down the rocks. I just did a water change a few days ago. Maybe on the next one...

Interesting. I hope that's the story here. Great fish. I'd hate to lose him/her/it.

desertrefugee

Well, he was not a she. He passed. I believe it may have been stress. He ran himself to death trying to be the dominant animal. In the end, I believe, he just couldn't handle it.

Now the Kenyi assumes the throne.

badroy35

I am so sorry for your fish

iloveengl

I'm sorry. I was hoping it was good news of babies on the way.

navyscuba

I'm sorry to hear that. Beautiful fish too. That's is why keeping the male count low is so important on a African Cichlid Tank.

desertrefugee

Thanks everybody.

crazy4fish_123

sorry to hear...it would of been better if there were babies