Hello everyone, I am new to the monsterfishkeepers forum, but I have a question for anyone whom can answer. I recently went to my LFS and in a quick (irresponsible) decision picked up 2 Chocolate Cichlids that are about 1.5 inches currently. I put them in my 29 gallon tank, which includes: 1 male Senegal Bichir (only gonna get about 8inches for now; currently around 5inches), 3 Buenos Aires tetra (about 2-3inch) and 1 Columbian Tetra (about 2-3inches; pretty large). As for as space for right now, I have a couple live/fake plants and one rock structure so there is plenty of swimming space. After researching the fish after I got home, I learned that they can reach about 12 inches? (need confirmation). It wouldn't be so much of a problem if I had only picked up one (meaning I could just remove all structures) but I have 2. I am only 16 years old, but not new to the fish keeping hobby (been keeping fish for around 10 years). I can begin to set aside money for a bigger tank, so my 2 questions are: 1) How fast do Chocolate Cichlids grow? 2) What size tank should I prepare to buy? Now I will be graduating in the next 2 years so I don't to overdo the tank size, I just want something they will be comfortable living in without compromising their health. Any other information of Chocolate Cichlids would be helpful as well. I have read many informational websites on Chocolate Cichlids and it seems to be 2 different varieties as well? H.c and H.t? Thanks and sorry for the long rambling, I just dont really want to return the fish unless absolutely necessary.
Chocolate Cichlids
- Thread starter Sha tha Aquarist
- Start date
Well, I am sure my local LFS (shoutout Azalea Aquariums) will be able to take these 2 cichlids back, but I like them quite a bit. If they need a large tank, I will have no problem buying one, I just need a time range on when it will be needed and how large it should be. I have had my bichir for awhile (we are buddies) so I really dont want to give him up either. IMO i dont think he will outgrow the tank as he is a male and they average around 8-10inch. Im thinking maybe an upgrade to a 55gal might be better for the bichir and cichlids? I also have another question, my buenos aires are quite vicious and are currently much larger than my cichlids. Do i have to worry about them nipping the choco's tails? I have an extra 20 gallon long if that would help with anything.
My pair grew slower than other CA/SA cichlids. I have them in a planted 125 community tank and I'd say you're looking at about 6-8" in a year for the male. Mine got to 5-6" by then, but he and his mate were putting a lot of energy into breeding (every 3 weeks or so). My female is still around 4". For just the pair you could probably get away with a 55g for a while, but I'd really recommend a 75 or larger. They aren't super aggressive so I keep mine with angels (altum and leopoldi), congo tetras, roseline sharks, kribensis, etc...
Thanks! Also, one choco is dark and one choco is light. does this mean anything? also how can i identify which kind of choco cichlids i have? H.t or H.c? (One is more slender, One is more severum like)Just keep observing the buenes aires tetra's , keep this in mind as the Chocolates get bigger 1 will become dominant so get 55 until you can get bigger aquarium.
Thanks! Do you know how to differentiate between the 2 types of chocos? Are there any differences in being able to tell from male and female? At what size do they begin breeding? Sorry for so many questions
