Suggestions for an uncommon SA dwarf cichlid

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Mythic Figment

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 27, 2012
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Florida
So I am going to be setting up a 20 high for a breeding pair of dwarf cichlids. I plan to start out with 6-8 in either a 40 or 55. Grow them out and let a pair form. I will rehome the remaining 4-6 unless a second pair forms.

I started this journey months ago when I found keyhole cichlids and loved their contrast look. They are not super common in this area, but I know they are fairly common. Well they have turned out to be pretty shy and I don't like that.

So I will be rehoming the keyholes and getting something else. My first thought was Bolivian rams because I do like their subtle coloration and have read they are pretty good wet pets for small cichlids, but they are pretty common. I want to find something that will have as much personality as a Bolivian ram with some nice color and isn't very commonly found in the hobby (I don't mind paying a little extra). I want something that will breed. I am looking for something in the easy-intermediate level of breeding http at won't lay 500+ eggs every 3-4 weeks.

I just got six 2.5" geophagus red heads in the hopes of getting a breeding pair as well. I will have a 55 for a breeding pair of red heads, a 20 for a breeding pair of dwarf cichlids and two 40s for raising fry. The hatchlings will stay with their parents for a few weeks before moving to a 40. One 40 will be for small fry and the other for larger fry. I probably will add a 40 for more "storage".


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Crypothero chetumalesis or cutteri don't see many of those around.


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japbart said:
Look at the laetacara species.
Click to expand...

This. L. dorsigera is rather common, but L. curviceps isn't anymore (it used to be) and is more peaceful for that smaller tank.
 
So I like the cryptoheros chetumalensis and the laetacara curviceps. I have questions on both. I am worried about keeping a breeding pair of the cryptos because of their reportedly high conspecific aggression (one site says some pairs will beat each other up and sometimes kill their mate in an effort to protect their eggs). If this is true, I would rather avoid them. Can anyone comment on their aggression?

I saw Jeff Rapps is selling Honduran red points. I know they are distant cousins of convicts. Can anyone comment on their personality, shyness and conspecific aggression?

As for the laetacara, I have read they are pretty shy and I don't want to be stuck in another keyhole cichlid situation where I rarely see them. Anyone have an experience with how shy they are or are not?


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The parent of the cutteri I had got from a fellow member was a line of wife killers and the pair I had was very aggressive with each other so I guess what you read about crypotheros is true.

Hrps are a lot like convicts and can mini wet pets. The only thing I'm unsure of is I think the ones Rapps got are wild so they might be shy
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