Best Loaches to keep with Aggressive American Cichlids

[dbcb314]

75 gallon tank

don't have it set up yet but its going to house fish like GT's, JD's, firemouths, convicts, orange pikes, salvinis, ect. That aggression range.

what would be the best loaches for a tank like this?

I was thinking modestas, skunks, or yoyos... favoring modestas because they have an aggressive side and are bigger than skunks.

 

[mostlycichlids]

I can't really comment without knowing what exactly is going in. If you have 2 of either of those cichlids you are pushing being fully stocked without the loaches.

 

[Nolapete]

Blues (modestas) would be the only ones I'd put with that mix. They are tough and won't put up with any bullying.

 

[severum mama]

Modestas for sure. I keep them in my 75 SA/CA tank and they don't put up with any crap, just like Pete said. They are tough as nails and mine even "quarrel" with each other a bit- not to the point of injury though. They click a lot when they do this, it's really cool.

 

[Nolapete]

Just be sure to have a strong current from a filter or powerhead for them to play in. They love swimming against the current. I think it is when they are the happiest and lively.

 

[H3D]

IMO There are NO loaches that should be kept with aggressive cichlids!!! :mad2:

 

[Nolapete]

Except aggressive loaches LOL

 

[H3D]

Except aggressive loaches LOL

I still fail to see how that is a good idea!

 

[Nolapete]

Aggressive american cichlids won't bother B. modesta because they won't put up with it. All it takes is one stab with their barbs and the cichlids keep their distance. B. modesta gets very large and are very tough. They are one of my favorite fish because they are downright crazy and fearless.

 

[dbcb314]

IMO There are NO loaches that should be kept with aggressive cichlids!!! :mad2:

why?