Interesting Observation

[Luca Brazzi]

As some of you may know, I have a 75 gal African Cichlid tank with about 18 fish in it. One of them is a Female Chipokae. So far the Chipokae has been one of the most non agressive fish in the tank. It doesnt chase anyone around, etc. And there is an Albino PS. Zebra that quite often chases the Chipokae around.

All of the fish in the tank are 3" and under.

What Ive noticed is that although the Chipokae doesn't harrass any of the fish in the tank... EVERY fish (except the Albino Zebra) seems to be somewhat afraid of the Chipokae. What I mean is that every fish in the tank (except the Albino Zebra) will get out of the way of this fish, and will not challenge it. For example: The PS. Scolofi was just hanging out in its zone in the tank... however... if the Chipokae comes around it will scoot away, then return once the Chipokae has left. Also There is a Copidochromis (sp) something or other that will get "change color, flaring" mad if any fish comes into its territory, but if the Chipokae comes around... it just swims off till the Chipokae leaves, then goes back.

Should I get rid of the Chipokae?

Should I take this non-aggressive aggressiveness as a warning of future problems?

I was thinking that if I wanted a Chipokae I could build a specimen tank for it (but then I guess I should get a male).

Would a Male and Female Chipokae do well in a smaller tank... say 30-40 gal if they were the only fish in there?

[dbcb314]

yes, if i were you, i would be worried. chipokees are in the same family as the auratus and johanni, 2 very aggressive fish in my experiences. the other fish getting out of the way seems like a sign that they know the chipokee can beat the snot out of them if he wants. if there is enough space, the chipokee will get the territory it wants and maybe leave them alone. but you might want to get rid of him just in case. he could snap all of a sudden a go on a killin binch (has happened to me with an auratus)

that very observant to notice that though. it really a judgement call wether or not you get rid of it. i would

[ChilDawg]

Originally posted by dbcb314
chipokees are in the same family as the auratus and johanni...

And the Apistos and the Rams, among others.

They are all Cichlids.

To restructure your statement, they're in the same group.

Sorry to use the technicality, but taxonomy is one of my favorite topics, so I like to spread the love whenever I can.

[Luca Brazzi]

The Chipokae is a Female (all brown) not a male (blue). But I guess the same rules apply?

[ChilDawg]

Maybe it's just me, but if she's not out-and-out aggressive, and just a scary presence, she may be doing more good than harm...especially if some of the other fish in the tank might go into attack mode with her presence removed. Anyone else thinking along this line?

[Luca Brazzi]

I would think that if I remove the Chipokae, the Albino Zebra would be king (this fish chases every other fish in the tank including the Chipokae). However since none of these fish are full grown, everything could change in a year especially when the Electric Blue Hap, and the Venustus get to be full grown.

My biggest worry is that one day the Krib will end up missing. Right now, the Krib is too big to be eaten (or the other fish are too small to eat it). The Krib is pretty much ignored by the other fish.

[dbcb314]

i change my mine, keep the chipokae. it might be the thing that keeps everyone in line like childawg said. also, your krib probably wont last to the end. there not really that aggressive.