re : New World Cichlids

srangel

AC Members
Apr 27, 2006
10
0
0
Los Angeles
ARe NWC agressive? Or can they be mixed w/ mollies and platys? What are the other possible tankmates of mollies and platys.
 
I'd say, yes, NWC can be aggressive. Most Cichlids are considered at least ‘semi aggressive.’ But like with every group of fish it depends - different types of species differ in aggression as do the individual personalities within a species. I'm still learning about the different compatibilities among just a small section of SA cichlids – and doing tons of research to make sure I'm making the best choice.

If you want to keep mollies and platys, IMO you need to stick with similar type fish, other live bearers or community fish. Personally I think you’re getting close to your limit in a 10g anyway, but if you have to add more I’d pick a few smaller schooling fish, like tetra.

Are you still considering Malawi for that 10g?
 
The Cryptoheros sajica (T-bar cichlid) is a Central American Cichlid that is peaceful. My pair is in a 30 gallon tank with 9 tetras (they MAY have killed the 10th tetra, a small red phantom...I have not seen them pay ANY attention to the tetras, but one was dead yesterday). By far the dominant male black phantom tetra in the tank is much more aggressive than the sajicas! Mollies are larger, but they may not be fast enough to escape a cichlid. All cichlids, including the peaceful ones get aggressive when spawning and defending the eggs or fry.
 
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