Adding some colorful tankmates with a 7 inch wolf fish

[Irecruitfish]

I was considering some African cichlids as potential tankmates with my wolf(hoplias malabracius) as he's only 7 inches. I'm aware it's risky but I had a Texas cichlid with the wolf and didn't have any issues other than the Texas picking on the wolf! So I had to get rid of the Texas cichlid.

Here are the fish I'm considering:
1) African cichlids
2) Red Devil 6 inches
3) Texas or Green terror

Tank size 125 gallon
13 inch spotted gar
7 inch wolf fish(hoplias malabracius)

 

[moe214]

Green terror is your best bet there.. Red Devils probably the worst option.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Green terror is your best bet there.. Red Devils probably the worst option.

Thanks for confirming. I was leaning towards a red devil but will not get one now.

 

[tlindsey]

I agree with moe214 anything you put in with a wolf will be risky. Especially if the wolf is challenged it will end badly.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Green terror is your best bet there.. Red Devils probably the worst option.

how about a 4 inch Dovii?

 

[tlindsey]

how about a 4 inch Dovii?

The larger wolf May attack the smaller Dovii.

 

[moe214]

Dovii if male will probably kill a mala, if the wolf lets it grow. May try to make a snack of the dovii.

 

[Irecruitfish]

Dovii if male will probably kill a mala, if the wolf lets it grow. May try to make a snack of the dovii.

Oh that's not good...do you think in th short term a smaller dovii (4inches or so) could do harm to the larger mala(closer to 8 inches)?

 

[moe214]

I think the mala will try to eat it, however if it doesn't and the dovii grows and is a male, it will likely kill the mala. Keep in mind what we are telling you is never guaranteed however it is what's likely to happen after our own experience and reading many others. It is what's common. There's always exceptions. It's up to you whether or not you want to take the risk. I, like many, had to learn a lot the hard way, probably because I got into the hobby young (10 years old or so) so I went through all the phases (mean fish, ugly fish, prehistoric fish, pretty fish, predatory fish, big fish) trying everything irresponsibly. I made a lot work that I read wouldn't, but I also experienced many deaths. In the end all I can say is every fish has its own personality, they can grow to dislike certain fish and tolerate others. We have little to no control over that. Best you can do is raise them together and hope for the best. Even "community fish" kill eachother.

 

[Irecruitfish]

I think the mala will try to eat it, however if it doesn't and the dovii grows and is a male, it will likely kill the mala.

I see appreciate the input!