dawnmarie;4210412; said:
I'm thinkig a few (6 to 8 ) larger fish.
Definitely acheivable...
dawnmarie;4210412; said:
I don't have a frame of reference for aggressive vs slightly less aggressive.
The Amphilophus and Parachromis genuses are full of species that are "highly aggressive large growing CA Cihlids". Then there are numerous other species that are "medium" and/or "moderate" in both size and aggression...
dawnmarie;4210412; said:
I am thinking 8" to 12 " Full Grown. Is this large, slightly smaller or Bruiser ?
The Amphilophus & Parachromis species I mentioend above are 12", sometimes a little bigger, and are usually quite aggressive. The "many other species" I mentioned are 10" or slightly smaller. So the range you are considering does offer a very wide range.
dawnmarie;4210412; said:
How many fish this size could I keep ?
That depends on which way you lean, although it sounds to me like you are more interested in the medium/moderate species...
Within this range you coudl easily find 6~8 specimen that would work together long term...
dawnmarie;4210412; said:
I sort of like the Quote "a slightly more populated tank that is harmonious for the most part", But I am wanting a more intelligent bunch than the Mbuna I am replacing.
For the "harmonious" tank you are seeking, Avoid pairs of the tougher species, but consider pairing up weaker species to help acheive the balance you are after...
dawnmarie;4210412; said:
Not sure if that completely clarifies or if I am asking too much.
You are certainly not asking to much out of this set up...
dawnmarie;4210412; said:
I would avoid any males within the Amphilophus or Parachromis Genuses as they are much more the "brusiers"... You may consider a single female fo one of these variety, but don't think that just because it's a chick it's not going to rule your tank
Oscars are big fish, but are not "aggressive". They often throw their size around to "keep the peace" but rarely use it to dominate a tank. I like using large Oscars as "police" in a tank...
Avoid pairs of 'tough' fish. Pairing/breeding activity usually brings out the aggression in a species and often causes disruptions. But if there are weaker species you are interested in, keepign them as pairs may give them the advantage necessary to take care of themselves.
Dempseys, Severums, Green Terrors, most Veijas, Cubans, Oscars, etc, etc will work great as single speciemen of a species for such a tank...
Convicts, Honduran Red Points, (W African) Jewels, Firemouths (or other Thorichthys), Rainbows, Sajicas, etc could be included as pairs in such a tank...
I've personally kept a colony of Geo Steinys with medium CA/SA Cichlids with great success, although not all species of Geos would work well under such cercumstances...
