cichlids hiding up by filters

Question
Hi Karen,
Everyday I find a few of my cichlids at the top of the tank hiding behind my bio wheel filters.  I can not decide if they are being bullied or of they think that the filters are a cave.
I would think it was aggression other than it is always a different set of fish hidding behind them.
What do you think?

Answer
Hi Francis,
First I would check the water quality. Perhaps they are stressed by ammonia levels. Check your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. And do a 30% water change just as a precaution (make sure all new water is treated with a water conditioner and the temp is the same or a bit warmer than the tank)

Next, you should do some careful observation at a distance to see if there is any aggression problems, look for nipped tails especially.

It's also possible your cichlids are just shy and need more places to hide so they'll feel secure enough to come out more and behave normally.

I hope this helps!
Karen~