Topic: General Cichlid Question

[amazonfriend]

I am wanting to learn more about the fish I have.

This is a mult-fold question.. 
thanks for your input 

I know Oscars like to be by them selves. I am not sure what other SA cichlids prefer to be alone due to aggression or don't mind a few other fish in the tank.

If I were to have a tank 55 or 75 gal w/ just a JD, FM, SD and a pleco could I add some other smaller fish for looks. something fast that would stay out of the way of the aggressive cichlids. example lrg danio??
What can but put in a tank w/ a jd, fm & sd.

I have those fish now and may be selling fish or buying another tank   

[Ezekial]

Many of the highly aggressive cichlids will attempt to eat/kill anything in their territory.  Other cichlids will be tolerated least followed by other types of fish.  SOme of these include;
Red Devil
Festae/Flowerhorn
Red Terror
Jaguar/Manguense
Dovii/Wolf cichlid

Many of these don't even tolerate the female except during breeding. 

FM and JD's i would say are significantly below those listed above in terms of aggression and tolerance for tankmates.  It generally works quite well to house them with dither type fish like SD's, danio's or larger tetra's.  You could add more fish, especially giant danio's, or more SD's.  There are several types of tetras that work.  I have columbian tetras and they do quite well in my tank.  Buenos Aires tetras are known to be hardy and fast enough as well.  There are several more but that's a start. 

[Dan]

Alot depends on the individual fish too, so there really isnt a yes or no answer with certain semi-aggressive Cichlids like say Oscars, JDs, GTs, etc.

I totally agree with Joe's list of the more aggressive Cichlids. 99% of the time, they need to be alone.

[Gerry]

If it's a lone fish you are wanting then Joe's list is spot on

[Maddy mad man]

Yep joe knocked it on the head

[amazonfriend]

Thanks for the info Joe.
Actually I don't want a lone fish. I would like several larger, good looking fish and a few that fit into the tank w/ them. Your list was great, I am a little concerned about my FH.

I was thinking I have had my fish for quite a long time 9 months and longer. So they have grown up together.
If I don't change the cichlids in the tank - what are your thoughts about them living together happily longterm in a larger tank.  They seem pretty happy now.   
Would the FH decide he want to be alone one day and start beating up the others - he has known them so long??  His favorite buddy is the SD. They are the same size.

I don't want breeders - I just like to watch the variety of fish swim around.
My FH is about 6.5-7.5 inches - measured him last night.
I a looking for a good deal on a bigger tank. Found a few good deals 75,90 and a 125. but I need a stand for the 125.

Just to make sure I understand you correctly if I did get a bigger tank a few dithers would be ok.?!?!

[Ezekial]

It's tricky when trying to predict what a fish will do.  All we can do is play the odds on what that type of fish would generally do.  You've helped your odds by raising your fish from juveniles but the problem is they haven't really reached puberty yet.  That is when you will likely see what their temperment and personality will really be. Your FH is just too small yet to determine what his reaction will be once he's full size.  They are impressive powerful fish when full grown.   

It is possible your FH will be just fine and will be the rare mild FH that some people will report but generally they are not known for that.  As long as you have a 6 foot tank (125 gallon minimum) you have a fair chance and if you have plenty of caves and decorations to break up the tank you can maximize your odds.  if you don't want breeders then i'd make sure you don't have any pairs.  That will help also. 

You could add some dithers.  You generally want to add them in groups of 4-6 as most are schooling type fish.  What is your long term plan?  All fish in the same tank, two tanks, get rid of some fish...etc?

Just looked back at your post and you say your FH is  6.5-7.5"?  He should be either in puberty or hitting it soon. 

[amazonfriend]

My long term goal is the same fish in one tank. I will add a few dithers once I have a larger tank.
I would prefer to not sell any (they are special to me), I have put a lot of time and energy into selecting and taking care of the ones I have.......unless.......... I have a major problem and someone is majorly aggressive or in danger. 

[Ezekial]

As long as you know what you are getting into and are prepared it shouldn't be too bad.  I would buy a small 20-30 gallon tank to use as a hospital tank if need be.  That way if one of your fish turns into a crazed killer you can either take that one out or if his attention seems to be on only one fish take his target out.  This way you may be able to save your fish if it comes down to that. 

I think your best bet is two tanks.  One for the flowerhorn and maybe a pleco and some dithers and one for the JD's, FM, and a pleco or clown loaches and dithers.

[amazonfriend]

Thanks for your input!!     

As long as you know what you are getting into and are prepared it shouldn't be too bad. 

Now that sounds scary - what do you mean??     

I have been building this tank up for about 3 yrs and it has been great. What would I be getting myself "into"??
As the fish mature I wouldn't think they would change too much (except for the FH).

[Gerry]

I think he means all the ones on your first list will change as they mature, becoming more aggressive.

[Ezekial]

What i meant was that as long as you understand what could possibly happen and are prepared any problems should be minimal.

For example, knowing that FH's are known to not tolerate tankmates and accepting that and then being vigilant and watching for any change in behavior will allow you to catch a potential problem before it results in a loss of fish.  If you were prepared and had a hospital tank ready you would be able to remove a fish to avoid this as well.

If you were someone who didn't "know what they were getting into" or chose to ignore it there may come a day when you suddenly notice you have a couple of dead fish and you'd be asking yourself "I wonder what could have happened". 

Nothing more sinister than that.  You're getting the information that's important now so hopefully you can be successful with raising your fish for years to come.  That is our goal here or at least mine.  good luck.

[amazonfriend]

Yep, Happy, Healthy fish - that is my goal!

I enjoy watching them every day and I do pay close attention to their behavior, how all the fins look, if anybody looks different - all that good stuff. I am sure that is why I have become so intreaged by them!!

Over the weekend I bought a larger aquarium - 125 gallon. That should make everybody happy for a while!   

[Ezekial]

Congrats on the new tank.  I can't wait to get my new one.

[amazonfriend]

How can I find out what type of pleco I have?

I guess he is a general pleco but I am not sure.