Angels and Apistos?

[FindingBlemo]

I want a group of 4 or a pair of Apistogrammas to go in with my angelfish? Will all hell break loose or will they be a nice colorful addition to my tank? Here's a the species that really makes me happy :).

Apistogramma viejta
I posted the wrong picture! Here's the right one:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/images/Freshwater/apistogramma_viejita_1.jpg

[67chevelle]

What size tank?

[FindingBlemo]

30 gallons. Sorry, I should have posted that before. I also have 4 corys in that tank, but Cory's never matter, hahaha :) (no offense Corys! I love you guys!)

[67chevelle]

That might be too small if any of them pair up and breed.You could have singles.I have a 30 with 1 angel,1 ram,1 krib,and 1 keyhole.There are lots of plants and a large piece of driftwood in the tank,so the dwarfs each have a little place to call their own,and the angel keeps to herself.
I really think in a 3 foot tank,that if any happen to breed,you would have problems.

[FindingBlemo]

I don't really want a breeding pair, because I don't think they would in my tank anyways, but I just want like 2 or 3 to add some color.

[67chevelle]

If you get males of the same species,they may fight.If you get females,you probably won't have aggression issues,but they are not as colorful.If you get males and females,they will probably breed.In a 3 foot tank,it will limit what you can have.In numbers at least.

[FindingBlemo]

My tank is 30" so not quite 3 feet. I guess I just can't get these then, their too aggressive and demanding. :( Thanks for your input!

[67chevelle]

I would not rule them out all together.Getting a single male would be fine.And if you did get more than one,have a back up plan in case there are problems.If you can get them at a LFS,ask if you can return them if necessary.

[FindingBlemo]

I read online that you should get 1 male and 3-4 females. The females lay the eggs on a cave, or underneath the leaves of plants. Idk if problems would arise with the territorial male. Hmm, I think I'll research more, and I'd be ordering online, so no returns.

[67chevelle]

Where were you looking to buy them at online? I have found with Apistos,they are usually sold in pairs online.And with only a pair,they will more than likely not breed,as they prefer harems. Just something else to think about.Your angels should not bother them BTW.

[FindingBlemo]

I'm not worried about the angels bothering the Apistos, I'm more worried about them bothering the angelfish. Would a pair work fine? I really like them, and I want some color in my tank as I all I have is albino angelfish and black and white peppered corys.

p.s., thanks for answering all my questions! I really appreciate it.

[67chevelle]

There is no definite answer when it comes to keeping fish,especially cichlids.Even though dwarfs do not have the aggressive reputation as their larger cousins,they are still territorial.I kept a pair of cockatoo cichlids in my 30 with a pair of angels and had no problems.They never breed,and the only aggression was the male toward the female,and nothing that was that bad.Now I now have the single angel,with 3 different single dwarfs,and don't have any problems.So my experience with dwarfs in a 30 has been good.But you should be aware of issues you may have if you keep just males,or end up with a breeding pair. I would say you will probably be fine with them,but having a back up plan,or tank,is always a good idea.

[FindingBlemo]

I'll call my LFS tomorrow and see if they'd be my back-up plan. Thanks for all your help! I'll PM you if I get them, with pics of course!

Major props!