Small to Medium Cichlid Options in a Community

[fl4ian]

I have a 100g community tank, it is in the process of being planted. I currently have 1 Rosy Barb, 2 Guppies (1M 1F), 3 Swordtails (1M 2F), 4 Glass Catfish, 7 Zebra Danios, 1 Bristlenose Plec, and 2 Fiddler Crabs.

I'm looking to add one or two pairs of small to medium sized cichlids, but I know only a little about them. I know that individual fish have personalities that may make the addition of a specific individual o.k., while the species itself is suspect... I'm looking for your experiences.

I don't want to spend alot of money on these fish, so the rare ones, I won't be getting. I would like to watch them breed however.

Any ideas?

---todd

[rocker92]

would any apistogramma work????

[jbradt]

I vote for rams... you could do a pair of GBRs and a pair of bolivians!

[fl4ian]

would any apistogramma work????

I think so. I mean, I believe they are pretty docile as far as cichlids go. Apistos and Rams both pair off, right? Or are either of these trios?

[venarius]

I would reccomend the same things, Either Apistogramma's (the Apisto Agazzi Double reds are very nice) and they would work in 1 male with a harem of 2-3 females,

Or you could do a pair of rams, German Blue Rams are very nice.

I went the less traveled road and got one male Apisto and one female Ram. The other bottom dwellers tend to disperce the agression between them. No problems so far.

[fl4ian]

do you think I could do 2 males 3-5 females? The 100g is 6 feet long, so I think they'd have enough room to hide... I guess I would prefer the apistos vs the rams. what do you think about that ratio?

[tanker]

2 males to 5 females would be OK.

But other Cichlids are OK too--- Checker Board, Curviceps, ect.

[VivaLaVics]

I'm no expert but I'd watch out for husbandry practices and keep the male:female ratio at 1:2 at the least for cichlids. This will ensure less aggression and brighter colors in the males. So you get the most out of your fish. Another thing I would do is go to the fish store, pick out a few fish you really like and watch them for a good 15 min. Make sure they arent "top dog" of the tank.... that they arent chasing the other fish... this will help you with picking out a docile fish no matter what the species. If he's picking on everyone else he is probably also the prettiest... you dont want that one cause he'll be even meaner in a community tank. I'd go back 2 or 3 times to see how the fish you liked is doing. Watching him for 15-20 min at a time. Get a feel for his personality and then get him. Get a few females at the same time. I personally like the Pseudotropheus zebra for a smaller cichlid... about 4 inches max. I have 3 of them currently and they are docile fish with GREAT coloring. Doesnt take much to bring out that electric blue. They just need the ladies! :)

[VivaLaVics]

PS: It's OK to overcrowd cichlids (not TOO much though.) 2 males to 5 females would be great! remember the 1:2 ratio. RULE OF THUMB: 2 females to each male minimum to get good coloring and keep the females from getting beat up. :)