Is it normal for cichlids to chase each other

Generally, there are four main reasons why fish decide to chase one another. Coupling behaviors are the most common non-concerning types of chasing behaviors. Coupling happens when both male and female fish are present in a tank and they are preparing to mate or considering becoming a pair.

This is indicated by two fish swimming back and forth rapidly and is nothing to really be worried about. It is simply a part of the life cycle of fish and is not a dangerous behavior. Food competition happens when your fish are not being fed enough. When your fish are hungry, they may begin chasing one another and acting a bit aggressively.

If you notice your fish chasing one another but not attacking each other, try adding a little more food at different points of the day. Incompatible personality types may also cause chasing. This is one of the more concerning possibilities, as if two fish are compatible they cannot exist easily in the same tank.

When a more aggressive species is paired with a more docile one, the more aggressive fish may pick on the calmer one. Likewise, two aggressive species may clash, as well. If you notice two fish clashing, it might be a good idea to either add more hides, up the tank size, or remove one of them to prevent potential injuries.

Lastly, there are territorial behaviors. If a fish is in a tank that is too small or one that does not have enough hides, it may begin to behave territory and generally protective of specific areas of the tank. Cichlids are prone to this behavior since they can get a bit on the larger side and are often kept in tanks that are a bit too small for their growth rate. To combat this, do your research before choosing fish to help ensure you are providing adequate care.

How can I prevent Cichlid aggression? The dominant male will have deep vibrant colors or possibly be almost entirely black. The Maylandia crabro on the right has just been transferred into a new tank and is showing stressed coloration. The picture below is the same fish chasing another male note the battle scars.

Most cichlid movements are either threats or flirting. Telling the difference between the two is fairly difficult. Shimmying or shaking of the fins and tail are usually signs of flirtation.

I've also seen circular chasing and nipping or kissing where the two fish grab each other's mouths prior to mating. Chasing across the tank is more often a sign of aggression. Dominant and aggressive Cichlids paired with calmer, more docile fish may often pick on and bully the calmer fish. Likewise, two very aggressive fish can clash with each other and fight often. By putting in the time to do some research, it is possible to do some pairing and put compatible fish in with each other to minimize unnecessary aggression and fighting.

Many species of Cichlids are or can become territorial. The territorial behaviors increase in frequency and magnitude the smaller the tank. This territorial behavior is one of the more common reasons for many Cichlid-owners seeing their precious fish chase and fights each other. Many breeds of Cichlids can grow to be quite large and are often kept in tanks that are too small for their adult size, leading to territorial behaviors. Cichlids also get territorial with members of the same breed.

Cichlids can see color, albeit at a fairly short distance, and tend to see members of the same breed as competition.

Therefore, it is important to keep Cichlids in a tank with other breeds of Cichlids to prevent too much infighting. Cichlid chasing is normally fairly tame and normal. Most of the time, chasing is merely a sign of a need not being met. Fortunately, Cichlid aggression is very preventable. Many of the preventative measures are even quite simple.