Trying to choose between 2 cichlids...

saram521

saram521

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Sara
I'm looking for a medium-large sized cichlid for my 75 or 46, both of which are community tanks with rams, various small tetras, and 2 young angels(angels are in the 75). I'm trying to decide between one severum, which would go in my 75, or 2-3 keyholes, which would go in my 46. Can anyone share any experiences they've had with either of these fish? This will help me decide which one I want to keep. What color variants are the prettiest among severums, if I do choose to get one? Also, how large do keyholes get? I've read 3 in. and then almost 5 in. from several different online sources.
 
Keeping angelfish with small tetras (especially neons) is not a good stocking as angelfish like neon snacks nor will they mix very well with ram cichlids. The only tetras that will do well with angelfish are the more aggressive ones like serpaes and blackskirts.

Keep in mind that angelfish are cichlids and can get nasty at times (not saying they will but that it is a real possibility).
 
I do have neons, but they're black neons, so I think I'm ok. I'm well aware of how angels are, which is why I only have 2 in my 75. I've seen firsthand how aggressive a mated pair can be to a loner, so I'm prepared for moving either angel to a different tank if they need to be separated. I've seen others keep adult rams and angels together in medium to large sized tanks, so what's the issue with keeping them together, if you don't mind explaining your statement.

My question wasn't about angels though.

I've read that keyholes (aequidons maroni) are peaceful fish, but you say they'll kill tetras? My reason for posting this thread was to see if people here like keyholes/severums. I don't really see many threads mentioning either of these cichlids, and was curious what the general concensus is on both. I forgot that I could look up old threads on these cichlids, so I'll just sift through and see what I find.
 
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Well honestly IMO Severums will get too big and robust and may bully the angels. As far as keeping Rams and Angels I don't see a problem I have two rams and two angels in a 29g community. Have had this combo for quite sometime with no problems. It is pretty common to keep rams and angels together. Keyholes stay small and would make a good choice for either tank. The angels may get a hold of the neons when they get bigger and a severum will definitely cause problems with smaller fish. Rotkeil severums and Turquoise are my favorites. I would consider discus with your angels though opposed to Severums moving the Angels to the other tank and use the 75g for Severums and keyholes. Hope that helps!
 
Keyholes will eat your neons. I have a Keyhole and he tried to hunt down my Otos at first. Any time he saw them, he went after them. Never caught them, but he definitely wanted to eat them. I bet he could catch neons.
 
I have never had keyholes, but I love both of my sevs. I have a gold and a green in 2 different tanks (both male). They have such personality and come to greet me. I have them with angels and while they do chase the angels, I have never seen any damage to the angels nor have I seen the sevs actually "get" them. My gold sev is in with 3 sunset blushers and 2 of them have paired off. He keeps them from picking on the 3rd angel so much and serves as the referee. He does, however, eat their eggs everytime they spawn. The green is in a tank with 1 marble angel and they ignor each other.
 
solarregis said:
Keyholes will eat your neons. I have a Keyhole and he tried to hunt down my Otos at first. Any time he saw them, he went after them. Never caught them, but he definitely wanted to eat them. I bet he could catch neons.
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If they can't catch a slow otto how they gonna catch a fast Neon?
 
I've had a trio of keyholes in the past with small tetras and they never bothered them (kerri tetras and neons). I found the keyholes to be very peaceful and low key. Too much, IME. Mine spent a lot of time hiding and just hanging around.

As for sevs, I love them. But I would be wary about putting one in with angels. My sevs have all been extremely peaceful and only pushy with each other. I wouldn't trust them with small tetras, although I've had no problems with larger tetras/barbs/rainbows.
 
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