Cichlid Tankmates...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I would not risk it, flowerhorns are sneaky.

My flowerhorn really is sneaky. He is much better at ambushing his prey than any other fish I have ever owned (including the pike cichlid and the motoro ray I currently own).
 
My flowerhorn really is sneaky. He is much better at ambushing his prey than any other fish I have ever owned (including the pike cichlid and the motoro ray I currently own).

Yeah, MonitorSpiderCichlid is right. Just do not get schooling fish. Get some convicts(Tough Cichlid).
 
Silver Dollars all day...

Went through something similar to this myself when looking for dithers for SA cichlid tank. While I agree that silver dollars do seem a bit boring, my only suggestion is: take your time and look for just the right ones. I had just about given up when I can across a 3 large spotted silver dollars. They look awesome, I will admit that only 3 makes for a super small shoal, not sure if it even counts; but until I come across 2 or 3 more that's just the way its going to be.

My cichlids don't seem to mind them at all, except for my albino Oscar ocasionally giving them chase (no way he'd ever catch them) they have worked out great.
 
I already have 2 silver dollars growing out in another tank (I don't trust the cichlids around 1.5 inch silver dollars). I might try a convict, some jewels, and some tinfoils.
 
down to three goldies...
 
I would try some rainbows. Depending on what kind you get they can be absolutely gorgeous. They are also fast as hell and aggressive enough to hold their own with cichlids. I have some australian rainbows in my african cichlid tank and I haven't lost a single one.
 
I had the australian rainbows before and was very disappointed in them. My parents informed me they were ugly silver fish, and they liked to nip at my stingray... If I do get rainbows for this tank, I'll go for the Boeseman's Rainbows though.
 
I had the australian rainbows before and was very disappointed in them. My parents informed me they were ugly silver fish, and they liked to nip at my stingray... If I do get rainbows for this tank, I'll go for the Boeseman's Rainbows though.

They are ugly silver if they aren't thrilled with their water conditions. Real healthy australian rainbows are a silver base with red and blue stripes that run the length of their body. I have never had any problems with them nipping at anything, but then again, i've never had rays for them to nip at. Mine always just swim around the top like danios do. But the boeseman's are really cool! Good luck!
 
larger silver dollars or tin foil barbs may work out better

My Flower Horn has been Intolerant of any Dithers I've tried in his tank. When he was 6.5" long he descaled and destroyed 4 Red Hooks that were all around 3" in length. Looking at what you have for fish in your tank I'm not sure if they would fare any better, but it all depends on the temperament of your fish. Good luck.
 
SD are tough,and their shape helps,once they are big enough,can't be swallowed,i saw big red hooks in a store last week,looked great.the other dither i have had success with is BA tetras.fast,colorful get to be a good size and taller
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com