Really would like some advise

cant keep chichlids with fish like neon tetras

Freshwater_J said:

cant keep chichlids with fish like neon tetras

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Not always true :0 Especially with keyholes .... Though it could still be trouble as like stated keyword "Cichlids"

You could do anumber of things... a couple angels.... Or tiger barbs... You would most likely in my opinion do best with mid to top level fish when mixing with keyholes...

Try keeping a school of Tiger Barbs, they're really sociable when kept in groups of 4 or more. Also, platys are nice and there are many kinds. Danios are another thing to consider. They'll be nice if you keep a big school, they tend to hang near the top of the water like a cloud. Hope this helps!

P.S. Neon tetras would probably work, but as the previous person said, they coul b a problem. If you got Jumbo Neon Tetras, they might not be so bad... :dive2:

can tiger barbs go in a community if you keep 4 or more?

Freshwater_J said:

cant keep chichlids with fish like neon tetras

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Keyholes are very peaceful. They will be fine with any of the fish mentioned.

tiger barbs are schooling/shoaling fish so 6 or more. they are active and nippy..tho keyholes can actually be agressive at time..especially when they guard their rock pile...LOL( I have one that decided to collect rock and pile them on a aquarium ornament..I call them the clowns of the tanks)
if the barbs get nippy with the keyholes a couple things may happen one of which is the keyholes go into hiding.

with keyholes you might consider large tetras(avoid neons as keyholes are known for pack hunting at night). hatchet fish if you have a good lid on the tank. they do well with other cichlids like angels or rams.
the keyholes are chunky fish tolerant of less than pristine water(tho cleaner is better..mine will flash if i do large water changes)

star_rider said:

tiger barbs are schooling/shoaling fish so 6 or more. they are active and nippy..tho keyholes can actually be agressive at time..especially when they guard their rock pile...LOL( I have one that decided to collect rock and pile them on a aquarium ornament..I call them the clowns of the tanks)
if the barbs get nippy with the keyholes a couple things may happen one of which is the keyholes go into hiding.

with keyholes you might consider large tetras(avoid neons as keyholes are known for pack hunting at night). hatchet fish if you have a good lid on the tank. they do well with other cichlids like angels or rams.
the keyholes are chunky fish tolerant of less than pristine water(tho cleaner is better..mine will flash if i do large water changes)

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That's interesting, that's something I hadn't heard about keyholes. Mine have never shown the slightest interest in my neons. They wouldn't even eat guppy fry! I can't imagine them "pack hunting". lol Although I have seen them hunt; they love ghost shrimp, so the instinct must be in there somewhere! Mine do become slightly aggressive towards the cory when they're spawning (or thinking about it), but even then they just sort of halfheartedly chase him away from their moss cave. Like you mentioned, I would be more worried about the keyholes getting harassed by smaller, nippier fish. Personally I like the keyhole/neon combination because the keyholes have such neutral coloration and they look nice paired with a school of colorful tetras. But angels would be beautiful too.