Why is my fish digging in the gravel?

Some fish dig into rocks, or other substrate, to create spawning pits. These pits serve as a nest for the fish, where they can lay eggs. Other families of fish, like sunfish, also practice this reproductive behavior. If you see your fish digging a pit like this, it can mean that they are preparing to spawn.

What can cause baby fish to die?

Their studies show that most baby fish are destined to die because they are unable to feed from their environment due to a process limited by the physics of water. “Unlike mammals, most fish release eggs and sperm externally in the water. There is almost no maternal care.

How do you save a baby fish from dying?

How Do You Save a Dying Fish?

  1. Make sure your aquarium environment is right for the fish.
  2. Check your aquarium’s water.
  3. Check the contents of your aquarium.
  4. Set up the aquarium correctly.
  5. Make sure that your tank is the right size for your fish.
  6. Choose the right tank mates for your fish.

Do baby fish hide in gravel?

Baby fish, called fry, are utterly vulnerable. They instinctively seek protection under and around large rocks and tank decorations, which are typically based on the bottom where your gravel is. The second problem is the risk of babies being gobbled up by adults when you disrupt the fry’s hiding spots.

Why do my cichlids keep digging?

One of the reasons cichlids will dig holes in the substrate of an aquarium is out aggression or frustration, especially when they feel their home is being invaded. African cichlids tend to be the most hostile and need a large tank to ensure they’re not competing for space.

How do I stop my cichlids from digging?

Place rocks throughout the tank as cichlids like to hideaway in the gaps between them – use aquarium-safe glue to secure the rocks in place so they don’t topple over or get displaced. Bury some larger rocks under the substrate as well to prevent cichlids from digging holes in it.