Haven’t you put hiding spots for your Flowerhorn fish? Do you think the rocks you see in the Flowerhorn aquarium are just for decorations? Let’s see if the hiding spot is the need for a Flowerhorn or just for decorations.
Yes, Flowerhorns need hiding spots. Flowerhorns are known to be aggressive fish. They have a tendency to be stressed too. Hiding spots are a basic need in their life cycle. They have a nature to hide whenever they are tired, stressed, or afraid. Additionally, there are many reasons Flowerhorns hide.
Giving your Flowerhorn fish plenty of hiding spots is a win-win situation. Flowerhorns feel comfortable if they have hiding spots. Hiding spots can be made of aquarium rocks, driftwoods, ornamentals, Terra Cotta pots, etc.
You can also add hardy, fine-leaved plants that can provide refuge for your Flowerhorn for being visually appealing.
It is normal behavior for the Flowerhorns to hide. You do not need to worry about it much. Flowerhorn needs a hiding spot to feel safe whenever they are frightened and calm themselves whenever they are tired or stressed.
Hiding Spots For Flowerhorn Cichlids
You can provide plenty of hiding spots by using driftwood, plants, aquarium rocks, etc.
Aquarium Rocks
Adding rocks to the aquarium provides a cave-like structure that provides Flowerhorns a hiding space. It also gives a natural look to your aquarium. But before placing rocks or making cave-like structures, ensure the stones do not cause any accidents to your Flowerhorn fish.
Driftwood
Driftwood provides the environment of natural aqua space. Furthermore, driftwood will provide shelter for your Flowerhorn. Flowerhorn will be attracted to the driftwood as it provides the natural space for your Flowerhorn fish.
Aquarium Ornaments
Aquarium ornaments provide a fun environment for your Flowerhorn. Additionally, the aquarium ornaments also provide shelter. Proving the fun environment will reduce the stress in Flowerhorns.
While preparing for the fun ornaments, be careful to eliminate any sharp-edged objects that might harm or injure your Flowerhorn.
Note that you can only keep the ornaments that are specifically made for aquarium purposes. Other ornaments can harm your fish.
Terra Cotta Pots And PVC Piping
Adding Terra Cotta Pots can provide Flowerhorn Fish to hide when they are frightened. You can add them with creative ways to add natural effects to your aquarium.
Why Do Flowerhorns Hide?
Flowerhorns do hide behind rocks, driftwoods, or filters. It might be normal to hide for a lesser time. But if your Flowerhorn is hiding for quite a long period, there is something wrong with your Flowerhorn fish. Here are some reasons why Flowerhorn hides.
Stress
Every fish experiences stress. But Flowerhorns experience more levels of stress. They need a way to cope or reduce their stress.
Flowerhorns get stressed due to various reasons. When there are changes in the environment, tank size, location, temperature, and water parameters, they mostly become stressed. Human interactions may also stress your Flowerhorn.
How To Know My Flowerhorn Is Stressed?
There are common signs of stressed Flowerhorn shows. Some signs of stress in Flowerhorns are sudden changes in the environment, loss of appetite, increase in aggression, and so on.
Did your Flowerhorn stop eating? Your Flowerhorn may be stressed. The immune system may be compromised as well. You must take a look at the environment to see whether there is any change that might be the cause of stress.
Change or fade in color may be seen when Flowerhorns are stressed. Flowerhorn may also hide behind the filter that shows signs of stress.
Causes Of Stress In Flowerhorn
There are plenty of reasons why your Flowerhorn becomes stressed. Common causes why Flowerhorns become stressed are changes in environments, diseases, tankmates, human interaction, and improper parameters.
Flowerhorn Diseases
Flowerhorn have a nature to hide when they are unwell or have diseases. Generally, water parameters may affect the health of Flowerhorn fish. If the parameters of water are not up to par, they may suffer from various diseases.
Due to sickness and diseases, Flowerhorns need hiding space as they have nature and need to hide when they suffer from diseases.
Environmental Change
Flowerhorn fish tends to hide also due to the changing environment or change in water parameters. Any changes like adding new decorations or the setup of a new tank environment cause fish to hide behind rocks, filters, or any decorations. Hiding makes Flowerhorns feel safe.
Suppose your Flowerhorn is hiding due to this reason. Try setting up the tank as before. If nothing works, try to keep the Flowerhorn aquarium in a different location.
Shy Flowerhorn
Some Flowerhorns may be shy naturally. Provide your Flowerhorn with plenty of hiding spots. Give your Flowerhorn some time to cope with the environment. Gradually, your Flowerhorn will start to adjust with time.
So, Flowerhorn needs plenty of hiding spots.
Momentary Saltiness
If your Flowerhorn is hiding, it may be going through a phase. You do not have to worry about this. Some Flowerhorns go through this phase where they become more reclusive than usual.
The best thing you can do is to give your Flowerhorn plenty of hiding places. With time, the Flowerhorn starts coming out of their hiding places.
Small Tank Size
Another reason that the Flowerhorns hide is because of the small tank size. Flowerhorns feel cramped in the small tank size.
Due to the small tank, the Flowerhorn cannot swim freely and explore. Your Flowerhorn might feel very uncomfortable and needs a place to hide.
As soon as possible, give your Flowerhorn a larger tank along with hiding places.
Noise Near Flowerhorn Tank
Flowerhorns are afraid of loud noises. The noise near the aquarium disturbs Flowerhorns. Loud noises from Television and stereo create a lot of stress in Flowerhorn.
Due to the loud noise, Flowerhorns are frightened and tend to hide. If possible, change the location of the Flowerhorn tank and keep the tank in a less-noised place where there is light.
In addition to the above-mentioned reasons, there are other reasons your Flowerhorn needs hiding spots. They are a new fish introduction, changes in water parameters, fluctuation in temperature, etc.
There are various causes your Flowerhorn needs hiding places. If you are unsure about the cause, it is better to see a veterinarian. Your Flowerhorn will recover with time.
Treating Of Flowerhorn Hiding
Do you think it is normal when Flowerhorn hides? Well, it depends on the reason for hiding.
The water parameters of the tank are the first thing you need to check. If the water parameter is normal, then you can be sure that the Flowerhorns are hiding due to other reasons. It’s possible that your Flowerhorn is affected by other factors or is shy.
You can try creating hiding spots by adding aquarium rocks, aquarium ornaments, plants, and driftwoods. Rearrangement of tank decoration might also help.
You need to avoid noises near Flowerhorn aquarium. Try placing the tank in a different location with lesser noise or no noise.
Feeding your Flowerhorn with quality meals frequently might also help.
If your Flowerhorn kept on hiding for a longer period, you need to consult with a veterinarian. Hiding of Flowerhorn is normal, and some Flowerhorns are naturally shy. But it becomes a serious problem if it hides for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Do My Flowerhorn Keep Hiding Behind The Filter?
Flowerhorn hides behind the filter due to different reasons. One reason might be stress. It might also be inefficient tank space or size and fluctuations in water parameter levels.
If the Flowerhorn is suffering from stomach bloating, it might hide behind the filter. Stomach bloating is due to overfeeding, constipation, or swim bladder disease.
Why Do Flowerhorn Need Hiding Spots?
Giving your Flowerhorn fish plenty of hiding spots is a win-win situation. Flowerhorns feel comfortable if they have hiding spots. Hiding spots can be made of aquarium rocks, driftwoods, ornamentals, Terra Cotta pots, etc.
Hiding spots are a basic need in their life cycle. They have a nature to hide whenever they are tired, stressed, or afraid. Additionally, there are many reasons Flowerhorns hide.
Can Food Help In Reducing The Stress In Flowerhorn?
Yes, plenty of food helps in reducing the stress in Flowerhorn. Some foods are Daphnia, Krill, Algae wafers, Blood Worms, etc. These foods help to reduce stress in Flowerhorn to some extent.
Is The Hiding Behavior Normal For Flowerhorn Fish?
Yes, the Flowerhorn owners need to know that it is very natural for Flowerhorn fish to hide. There is not much to worry about in most cases. But if your Flowerhorn is hiding for a longer time, you must consult with a veterinarian.
Conclusion
Knowing about the possibilities of conditions Flowerhorn will have, it is very important to have hiding places for your Flowerhorn. Flowerhorn needs hiding spots for various reasons. Due to the environmental factor or external factors like noises near a tank, hiding spots are crucial things Flowerhorn must be given to calm themselves.
However, try to consult with a professional if your Flowerhorn is hiding for several days. Do not worry too much!
