My new Firemouths

Question
QUESTION: I just bought two 1 inch firemouth cichlids and i put them in the tank after i made sure the water and everything was ok. when i put them in there they both shot under a small plant now im pretty sure that was normal. but one of them kept pushing the other one around and he didnt do anything back. is that normal? after about a day in the tank the one that was pushing has adventured all around the tank but the other one is just sitting there breathing really hard slowly moving not leaving the safety of  the plant. could this just mean that one is more brave than the other? or is something seriously wrong.

ANSWER: Hi Eric,
 It sounds like the one firemouth is beating up the other one.  Yes, this could be something serious, in that the "bolder" one could kill the other one.  Keep an eye on things and separate them if necessary.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the last answere they are getting along better now and i have one more queation. How much do i feed them i mean they are so small that i have been breaking up the pellets into 1/4 and i still dont see them eat. would it be ok if they ate beef liver?? i heard that the high iron would enhance their color and be good for them is this true? thank you

Answer
Hi Eric,
  You could feed them beef liver if you want.  I feed my cichlids with TetraCichlid flake food. It is much easier than getting beef liver.

-- Ron
   rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
   Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>