Corys and Apistogramma?

[Dan89]

I'm setting up my tank Rio 125L (80x36x50cm), which will host:

- Neon/Cardinal Tetra
- A pair of Apistogramma Cacatuoides/Agassizii/Macmasteri
- Otocinclus

I would like to insert a group of Corydoras, but I have read and I have been warned that Apisto can be very aggressive towards Cory during reprodution, since they both stay in the lower part of the tank.

What is your opinion? Could I insert the Cory withouth too much concerns?

 

[OrionGirl]

I likely wouldn't. That's a small footprint and the cichlids are likely going to claim the whole space, particularly when they have fry.

 

[fishorama]

I agree, cichlids are territorial especially when breeding; corys don't get it. I think otos may be in trouble too but not as much as the corys.

 

[Dan89]

I read around that actually Corys are the problem for Apisto fry and eggs, but they are unlikely to be damaged by Apisto attacks due to their hard skin

 

[tanker]

I too would not, Corys and Apistos both need the bottom space of the tank.

 

[Dan89]

I know is a little OT but, in case I decide they can't go together, and I wanna keep the corys, what fish could I insert as MAIN specie with Tetras, Otocinclus and Corys?

 

[OrionGirl]

A centerpiece fish?

Hard to say. There aren't many that really prefer being alone. A pair of gouramies might work.

 

[MChambers]

I know is a little OT but, in case I decide they can't go together, and I wanna keep the corys, what fish could I insert as MAIN specie with Tetras, Otocinclus and Corys?

I've been able to keep Bolivian rams with corys without problem. Currently, I've got a pair of Laetacara curviceps in a 29 gallon tank with some corydoras, and there have been no problems.

 

[Dan89]

A pair of gouramies might work.

Can't gouramies attack neon tetra? I had dwarf gourami and neon in the aquarium of my father when I was a kid, and it happened that he ate one neon tetra...

Are Laetacara curviceps less agressive then Apistogramma? Do they spawn in the same way?

 

[fishorama]

Curviceps are bigger than apistos but a bit less aggressive. Most cichlids are similar in breeding behavior.

Tiny neons are bite size for many fish. Dwarf gouramis are, for their size, often aggressive ( & often lees healthy). Honey gouramis, less so & they're smaller. Both are mid to upper tank level fish than cichlids.