As above. They will hang around in groups in the wild as do other c/a eartheaters like Robertsoni and rostratus for example. The South american geophagines and the c/a eartheaters are a good example of convergent evolution. They are also possibly my favourite cichlids bar none. I love cichlids that can be maintained in groups and the above mentioned are perfect for this. I enjoy the interaction within the group and the eye pleasing display they make.
Central cichlids with nitrate
- Thread starter Tripping Willow 91
- Start date
Thanks though that would be the case, I've seen some videos of them in massive groups in the wild
I quite like the idea of a group of thorichthys and out of the 3 you suggested I'm drawn towards the more common and hardy meeki, I prefer it's more natural colours. If I were to keep say a group of 8 of these is there any other cichlid I could house with them? I've seen cryptoheros spilurus naturally inhabit the same waters but I'm not sure if they'd be compatible with my parameters and in my proposed tank? I also really like the look of geos but it seems south American cichlids prefer water that's softer than mine
There are some hard water tolerant Geophagus. Look at Pellegrini or Steindenchari. Not my cup of tea but some do really enjoy them.
Red head tapojos do fine in harder water and are quite a resilient species. As long as the tank water is clean and stable a group of these would be very suitable for your proposed tank. I have 8 red heads in my tank at the moment and they are lovely fish.
If they breed, they are mouth brooders and that nevers gets old to witness. Lots of bogwood, some leaf litter, twigs and other botanicals would be complimentary decor, scattered over a fine sandy substrate.
Regarding the spilurus, yes if you go with the 60" tank I think you could add a pair.
They are a nice, quite well behaved cichlid by c/a standards. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, there are never guarantees. It's always wise to have a back up plan if things get aggressive. A tank divider on standby can be a valuable, temporary tool for saving a fish on the receiving end of unwanted aggression.
Expect some chasing and displays of bravado, that's what cichlids do sometimes. Meeki are notorious for their gill flaring displays. This is all normal and expected. It's time for intervention when a fish is constantly hounded.
I think with the fish your interested in you shouldn't get much trouble.
I'll second Red Head Tapajos as a fantastic fish to keep in a group. I've got 6 in my 125 (2 breeding pairs) and they are by far my favorite fish.
Thank you, I'd assumed all south American cichlids were just not gonna work with my water, you may have just opened another door for me. Those steindenchari are very cool, bit weird looking but I think that gives them personality. Are the other s/a cichlids that will bee fine with my water? I really like heros (severum)
These guys are also very cool and there preferred set up sounds exactly the kind of scape I'd like, I've always had a eye for the black water stuff. I was actually out yesterday collecting wood ready for when I get my new tank, found some lovely oak from a tree that had recently been fell. Are there any other s/a that could work in my water with a little group of these or steindenchari, I love some of the more natural green and banded heros species. A tank divider definitely sounds like a good idea
As stated the genus Cribroheros are the Central American versions of Geophagine , and will shoal if given enough space, and are good in hard water.
I kept these rostratus pictured above in pH 8, 250ppm mineral rich (although low nitrate) water.
I have also kept Geophagus steindachneri in the same type water.
But didn't find them to be as social or as shoaling as their Amazonian geophagine counterparts.
In 6 ft tanks, males would easily harass unreceptive females to death, at only 3-4".
I kept these rostratus pictured above in pH 8, 250ppm mineral rich (although low nitrate) water.
I have also kept Geophagus steindachneri in the same type water.
But didn't find them to be as social or as shoaling as their Amazonian geophagine counterparts.
In 6 ft tanks, males would easily harass unreceptive females to death, at only 3-4".
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Agreed, steindachneri are probably not what you want to start with as your introduction to cichlids, at least in the size of tank you are considering. As others have stated RH Tapajos would be a good fit, they also do better at elevated pH values. I have kept them at pH 8.2 with no problem, as have many others in this area.
