cichlids and puffers?

[phanizzle]

would cichlids get along with puffers (dwarf) or will they pick at it since it is small? can you mix any type of cichlid together or would you have to mix certain types like can i mix a blood parrot with a electric yellow malawian cichlid? thanks in advanced!

[mostlycichlids]

None of the fish mentioned are compatible!

[phanizzle]

what types of Cichlids would be compatible with one another? my friend said you have to mix the same type of cichlids like you would have to mix malawian cichlid with other malawian cichlid is this true? would dwarf puffers pick on shrimps?

[Lupin]

what types of Cichlids would be compatible with one another?
Cichlids of the same origin with the exception of those who have different dietary requirements. Haps and tropheus cannot be mixed. Both have entirely different dietary requirements.

would dwarf puffers pick on shrimps?
Shrimps are quite vulnerable to attacks when they shed their shells as their skin is quite soft. Puffers often relish invertebrates.

[mostlycichlids]

I would agree with lupin.

[boomerjr91]

i agree with Lupin also. puffers eat inverts.

[cav]

I have 3 colomesus puffers and there main staple is shelled food as they need it grind down thier teeth.

As for mixing them with cichlids, they will more than likely become a snack!

Here is link to my puffers at feeding time:

http://s180.photobucket.com/albums/x11/spirulina31/?action=view&current=b9637fb8.flv

This would be your shrimp!

[cav]

Sorry, the quality of the vid on the link isn't great as its taken on a mobile phone

[killieskid]

wow! they are some eaters are'nt they

[jm1212]

dwarf puffers are territorial and nippy. plus, many SA.CA cichlids get big enough to eat them.

[dbcb314]

cichlids are too fast and when they out grew the puffer it would be eaten

[cav]

wow! they are some eaters are'nt they

There are indeed, quite messy too. Luckily my cory and hillstream loach do a good clean up job:)

[phanizzle]

thanks everyone.