cichlid not putting on weight

[Spindoctor]

I picked up a collection of malawis from a specialist fish shop three
weeks ago, so far all are doing well and putting on weight, bar one
which swims with fins often contracted and even though he/she eats is
not putting on as much weight as his companions, two of which are the
same species

This week I am moving all the fish from one tank to another, but was
tempted to hold back this one or put him in an isolation tank to try
and solve the problem

However, my problem is what is likely to be wrong with him - does
anyhone have any suggestions, he is not thin but increasingly the head
is looking out of prorportion

Brian

[Me]

Ay chance of that one isolated one being female and therefore won't get as
big as the males?

"Spindoctor" > wrote in message
...
> I picked up a collection of malawis from a specialist fish shop three
> weeks ago, so far all are doing well and putting on weight, bar one
> which swims with fins often contracted and even though he/she eats is
> not putting on as much weight as his companions, two of which are the
> same species
>
> This week I am moving all the fish from one tank to another, but was
> tempted to hold back this one or put him in an isolation tank to try
> and solve the problem
>
> However, my problem is what is likely to be wrong with him - does
> anyhone have any suggestions, he is not thin but increasingly the head
> is looking out of prorportion
>
> Brian

[Spindoctor]

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 16:29:34 -0500, "RedForeman ©®"
> wrote:

>I've seen some subdominant juvies take a little extra time perking up with
>so many other competitors... maybe it's not a bad idea to hold him, feed him
>a bit longer and give him a head start.. One of my first oddballs was like
>that... looked like he hadn't ate, compared to the others... took several
>out, no change, took all but him out, he got comfy with being by himself and
>in a couple days, ate, came out, and colored up better... 2-3 weeks later,
>he was as big as the others, and eventually outlasted the others...
>
>Things to consider - if all else is equal
>competition for food
>pecking order
>sub dominant male to another male
>late blooming male or female

Food isn't an issue as he/she tends to do ok
Might be sub dominant male, hope not as I was sold one male and two
females
Originally he kept to himself swimming off in a corner of a tank, but
has started to join the others (its a very overcroweded but heavily
filtered tank)
Colour has improved a lot over the last two weeks

I think I will hold him back this weekend when I move all the others
and see whether he perks up

Brian

[RedForeman ©®]

I've seen some subdominant juvies take a little extra time perking up with
so many other competitors... maybe it's not a bad idea to hold him, feed him
a bit longer and give him a head start.. One of my first oddballs was like
that... looked like he hadn't ate, compared to the others... took several
out, no change, took all but him out, he got comfy with being by himself and
in a couple days, ate, came out, and colored up better... 2-3 weeks later,
he was as big as the others, and eventually outlasted the others...

Things to consider - if all else is equal
competition for food
pecking order
sub dominant male to another male
late blooming male or female


--

RedForeman ©®





"Spindoctor" > wrote in message
...
> I picked up a collection of malawis from a specialist fish shop three
> weeks ago, so far all are doing well and putting on weight, bar one
> which swims with fins often contracted and even though he/she eats is
> not putting on as much weight as his companions, two of which are the
> same species
>
> This week I am moving all the fish from one tank to another, but was
> tempted to hold back this one or put him in an isolation tank to try
> and solve the problem
>
> However, my problem is what is likely to be wrong with him - does
> anyhone have any suggestions, he is not thin but increasingly the head
> is looking out of prorportion
>
> Brian

[RedForeman ©®]

I see... you probably DO have a female, and she's possibly not from the same
group as the other female, could be younger, more intimidated.... just a
shot...

--

RedForeman ©®





"Spindoctor" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 16:29:34 -0500, "RedForeman ©®"
> > wrote:
>
> >I've seen some subdominant juvies take a little extra time perking up
with
> >so many other competitors... maybe it's not a bad idea to hold him, feed
him
> >a bit longer and give him a head start.. One of my first oddballs was
like
> >that... looked like he hadn't ate, compared to the others... took several
> >out, no change, took all but him out, he got comfy with being by himself
and
> >in a couple days, ate, came out, and colored up better... 2-3 weeks
later,
> >he was as big as the others, and eventually outlasted the others...
> >
> >Things to consider - if all else is equal
> >competition for food
> >pecking order
> >sub dominant male to another male
> >late blooming male or female
>
> Food isn't an issue as he/she tends to do ok
> Might be sub dominant male, hope not as I was sold one male and two
> females
> Originally he kept to himself swimming off in a corner of a tank, but
> has started to join the others (its a very overcroweded but heavily
> filtered tank)
> Colour has improved a lot over the last two weeks
>
> I think I will hold him back this weekend when I move all the others
> and see whether he perks up
>
> Brian