festivum compatibility

[momar]

A couple of weeks ago I returned my redtail shark and Bolivian ram due to aggression in my 96l tank. I went to the lfs to get a replacement fish,, and I asked about festivums. they said one would be ok with my two angels (both around 2.5" ATM) and they would get along peacefully. However, there has been some aggression with the result of nipped fins on both angels. Nothing too serious, but I'm afraid it could get nasty. Is this just agression due to settling in (I have only had the festivum for 2 weeks) or will it be permanent? What should I do? The tank is well planted and the only other fish are 15 harlequins and 3 zebra danios as well as a few nocturnal catfish.

Should I take the festivum back?

OR ATM I have a 24x12x12" (60l) tank with a pair of kribs, some black phantoms and 3 guppies. Is there any successful way i could rearrange cichlid stocking such as switching the angels with the kribs (I realise then the angels would need a taller tank) or would the kribs annihilate the festivum?
Who'd have thought keeping fish could be so complicated?

Thanks,
momar

[Star_Rider]

your 96 l tank is approx 25 gallons.
the problem you may be seeing is due to space issues. a 25 is barely large enough for 2 angels(in my opinion it is pushig the limits)

let alone adding a festivum to the mix. part of the problem you are seeing may be due to territorial issues. the tank is just not large enough to establish territories.

if you can take the festivum back. you would need a 25 -30 gallon tank for the festivum.

they are generally considered peaceful and can be kept with angels and discus.

[jm1212]

festivum can get pretty big, around 8 inches. i wouldnt put it in anything less than a 55

[Star_Rider]

festivum can get pretty big, around 8 inches. i wouldnt put it in anything less than a 55
Festivum aka Flag cichlid, I have found, generally don't get much bigger than 4-6" in aquaria. tho in the wild they may get to 8" tho 55 would be a great tank for them and a pair of angels.

[momar]

Ah. Yeah I researched festivums but all the information available seems to contradict itself - some sources say they get to 4" (what the lfs told me) and are ok in a 25gal, others said they get to 8" but grow slowly, etc etc. I had thought that they schooled with angels - clearly not the case. I will take it back then as soon as I can - obviously the sooner the better, but I may not be able to do so for a couple of weeks. As the 3 fish are still smallish they should be ok till then, right? thanks for the help. :)