Cichlids are known to dig holes in gravel and move around ornament’s, but is this something you need to worry about. Why is My African Cichlid Digging Holes in the Gravel?
Digging holes in gravel is common among cichlids, It is a reproductive behaviour where they dig the gravel substrate in the bid of preparing to spawn. The fish can also dig the gravel substrate in search of food.
Below is a video I found of an african cichlid digging in the gravel.
How Do I Stop My African Cichlid From Digging?
African cichlids are natural diggers and dig into the substrate whenever they get the chance to do so. It is quite impossible to stop your cichlid from digging substrates because it is part of their lifestyle, defining the kind of fish they are, diggers.
You only have to keep them away from your structures and decorations as much as possible, so they will not disorientate the tank.
If you need a level, clean substrate, you shouldn’t go for cichlids as they will not respect your policy and go against it, digging at their best.
However, you can reduce the way they dig by providing them with structures to hide and increase the number of floating foods that you feed to them. It will reduce the rate at which they dig and search for food in the substrate.
Is it Okay to Use gravel in an African Cichlid Tank?
Gravels are the most common substrate you will find in most aquariums. They serve a useful purpose because the tank’s bottom provides the fish with almost everything a substrate will provide. Although gravel is a suitable substrate for your cichlid tank, it is not the best to use.
Aquarium sand is the best substrate to use for African cichlids. Some cichlids like to ingest the sand to aid their digestion, while others use the sand bed in building their nest. Gravel can also perform most of the aquarium sand functions, but it is best to use the aquarium sand for your African cichlids.
Some cichlids like the Oscars or other large cichlids tend to prefer gravel to aquarium sand when choosing substrates. In comparison, smaller cichlids will prefer to have the aquarium sand to gravel as the substrate in their tank.
Why Does My African Cichlids Move Gravel?
One of the reasons your African cichlid is digging substrate in the tank is to create a hiding space for it when chased by larger and meaner fish. In the quest of creating a hiding spot, you will see the fish moving gravel around the tank, creating space for itself.
You can also help the fish by arranging decorations so that they will quickly move away from each other’s line of sight. Your cichlid can again move gravel around the tank when courting and preparing to spawn. They are trying to create space that will be safe enough to rear their coming babies.
African cichlids also move gravel to create and mark their territories. After scoring their environments, they will chase out any fish that trespasses. They often chase out other fish from their space to provide a safe place for their babies.
Why Are My African Cichlids Moving Rocks?
African cichlids move rocks for the same reason they will move gravel. They move stones to create hiding spots, make territories, create spawning sites, courtship practice, etc. It is also a regular activity for African cichlids as they like to rearrange the tank’s structures.
Why Do African Cichlids Spit Sand?
African cichlids can be spitting sand to sieve it for missed food. It can also be their everyday practice of rearranging the tank to fit their purpose and need. Spitting of sand can be a common practice for African cichlids, so you should not be afraid.
Conclusion
Like every other cichlid, African cichlids are natural diggers and will dig substrates into suiting their needs and purpose. It is quite challenging to stop them from digging your substrate because it is natural.
Cichlids are fish that liven up the tank with their behaviors and appearance; hence, providing a sight to see for aquarists and fish lovers. They belong to the fish family Cichlidae and the order Cichliformes. African cichlids are species of cichlids with the same adaptive and behavioral features as every other family member.
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