Shimmy Shimmy!

[CoronaFan023]

I have noticed one of my cichlids has been swimming and eating normally but when I'm away from the tank i can see him/her (don't know which) swim to a specific leaf of my fake silk plant and just sit there and shimmy alot. It looks really funny and there seems to be nothing wrong with him/her. Is this a sign of illness, maybe shes getting frisky if its a girl?

 

[Kyle]

I don't have cichlids but I have heard of alot of people say their cichlids do that.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Is it like a fast vibrating motion? If so its usually a sign of dominace. They are telling everyone else who is the biggest baddest sexiest fish in the tank.

 

[CoronaFan023]

Yes, that's what it is. Funny how the smallest fish is the most pugnacious

 

[Jan]

When it actually is the biggest fish in the tank it's ok but when a little one starts doing that, it's delusional and scary

 

[Cichlidian]

Is he chasing or bullying other fish? If so he's defenitely exhibiting a bossy stuff to others in the tank. If not it would mean that he's shy to come out to be an open swimmer.

 

[CoronaFan023]

He chases other fish, but no more than the other fish chase other fish. He swims around alot but he likes to sit in his leaf and shake his but and stare down other fish.

 

[Cichlidian]

It means he's got a constant eye on his territory and declared himself as the boss of the tank!

 

[Somonas]

if its a slow shimmy like a back and forth motion it could be other things - for example water's too cold, or a sign of disease or illness.
If its a quick vibration, sharp colouration and aggression then it's just a male doing his thing

 

[CoronaFan023]

The water is 81 degrees, and it's a fast vibration