South American, Central American, Hybrids...

**powellmacaque** · 06-21-2008, 1:47 AM

In the somewhat near future, I plan on getting a larger (100 - 200 gallon) tank. I really like New World Cichlids most. Is it wise to mix South Americans with Central Americans? I would really like to include the following fish in my tank, if possible:

Jack Dempsey
Oscar
Texas Cichlid
Firemouth
Convicts
Blood Parrot (Hybrids, I know)
Severum
Green Terror
Red Devil
Red Terror

Could this work in one tank situation (given proper water care and hiding areas)?

**Rbishop** · 06-21-2008, 6:28 AM

I mix them all the time. What mix of the above are you planning on?

**powellmacaque** · 06-21-2008, 10:08 AM

as many as possible in a 100-200 gallon

**Rbishop** · 06-21-2008, 10:12 AM

A lot of it will depend on the exact mix you choose, the individual personality it is, the length of the tank, their sex, and the size they are when all intoduced.

Red Devils are going to be your biggest issue as they are very aggressive and you can rarely find a passive one. The Oscar will be a 50/50 chance of passive. More than one of any and you risk a mated pair that totally changes any ideas of sucessful compatibility.

**powellmacaque** · 06-21-2008, 10:34 AM

are my chances of success better if they're all juveniles and put in the tank at the same time?

**Rbishop** · 06-21-2008, 10:37 AM

To a certain extent yes...but the factors I mentioned above will all come into play. There are so many variables that come into play. There is no certified way to say now that it will work. You have to be prepared to adjust as things develop.

Personally, if I was ever to try one each of those you listed in the post, it would be in a custom tank 10 or 12 feet long.

**mostlycichlids** · 06-21-2008, 10:46 AM

Always better to start them out small. There is never any promise if they will work out together as they are Cichlids. You may go through a lot of trial and error before you find what works. I would advise to mix similar aggression levels.

The Red Devil probably would do best with the Texas and the Red Terror. All three of those fish get over 12in easily. The Blood parrot, Oscar and severum would be a less aggressive mix. and get medium size minus the oscar but fairly docil for its size. The Jd, firemouth, convict, Green terror have similar behaviors and temperment.

If you are planning all these fish even in a 200g you are going to have problems likely. Plan carefully and do lots of research and you will be better off. What about 2 100g tanks?

**powellmacaque** · 06-21-2008, 12:48 PM

I was thinking two 100 gallons or something similar.

Maybe on Central, one South American?

If I went a little bigger, could one tank work? I'm trying to avoid custom shop prices and etc. What is the biggest "standard" size?