Pike cichlid not eating, hiding. Could my 20-gallon tank be too small?

Question

My pet pike cichlid is not eating and is always staying in one corner of the tank. It is in a 20 gallon with 2 convict cichlids, 2 firemouth cichlids, 1 Oscar, and two plecos. My ammonia is 0, nitrate 0 and ph is 6.5. Water is a little tinted because of the driftwood. Pet's info: Fish | Unknown - Fish | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 25 days old | 0.3 lbs

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

If he is the smaller or smallest fish, he may be getting harassed by the others. A 20 gallon is not ideal for that many fish. Confirm stable chemistry, especially ammonia and nitrites. High nitrates aren't as worrisome unless there are large swings in nitrate levels. Check the water temp as well. Low temps can affect activity and appetite. If possible, move the Pike Cichlid to a different tank or move everybody to a larger tank. A 55 gallon would be the minimum since some of your fish will grow quite large. Those Plecos can reach 24 inches in the right tank. Eventually, you will need a much larger tank.

Pike cichlid not eating, hiding. Could my 20-gallon tank be too small?

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