Cichlid Compatibility

[Stanzzzz7]

Of course i pick the most aggressive of the group lol. But i will look into aureaus since i cant remember what they look like. And your helleri are gorgeous. Looks like you have a few meeki in there as well? Do they all tend to stay more towards the bottom of the tank or are they a mid level swimmer?

Thank you.

They are eartheaters just like south American geophagus although their mouths are not quite as advanced as those of the geophagus lineage.
They spend a lot of their time sifting through the substrate.However they do swim at all levels of the tank.
I can't recommend them enough, they make great tank mates for larger not so aggressive cichlids like melanura.
in groups they are very interesting to watch as they have their territorial stand offs with each other.These disputes are short lived and never result to anything serious.
It's also good when you get several pairs breeding literally inches apart from one another.
Don't let me put you off maculipinnis as your tank is big enough for a group.I just wanted to point out that generally they are the most aggressive and there are other thorichthys just as attractive.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Yes I do have a group of meeki in there too,I also have a group of Rheoheros lentiginosus and a group of rio otapa swordtails.

 

[jvc66]

Thank you.

They are eartheaters just like south American geophagus although their mouths are not quite as advanced as those of the geophagus lineage.
They spend a lot of their time sifting through the substrate.However they do swim at all levels of the tank.
I can't recommend them enough, they make great tank mates for larger not so aggressive cichlids like melanura.
in groups they are very interesting to watch as they have their territorial stand offs with each other.These disputes are short lived and never result to anything serious.
It's also good when you get several pairs breeding literally inches apart from one another.
Don't let me put you off maculipinnis as your tank is big enough for a group.I just wanted to point out that generally they are the most aggressive and there are other thorichthys just as attractive.

Would your say a vieja synspilum is more aggressive than a melanura? But thorichthys are a pretty interesting and colorful species. This tank stocking is going to be a little harder than i thought. I really do like the rivulatus stocking and the vieja. Main goal is to have movement throughout the tank. Im not a big fan of watching large fish such as oscars that just sit in one spot. And obviously the color plays a role in my decision too

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Would your say a vieja synspilum is more aggressive than a melanura? But thorichthys are a pretty interesting and colorful species. This tank stocking is going to be a little harder than i thought. I really do like the rivulatus stocking and the vieja. Main goal is to have movement throughout the tank. Im not a big fan of watching large fish such as oscars that just sit in one spot. And obviously the color plays a role in my decision too

I can't say I ever noticed any difference in aggression between the more orange and black melanura and the red headed melanura (formally synspilum)
My personal favourite variants are the red headed ones,but that's just personal taste.
Both rivulatus and melanura have been very active outgoing fish in my tanks,always out in the open and begging for food.
I have heard reports of veija being a bit jumpy and skittish but this has never been my experience with this species.
As far as colour goes, both species pop with colour so it really just boils down to preference.

Here are some if my old veija.

 

[jvc66]

I can't say I ever noticed any difference in aggression between the more orange and black melanura and the red headed melanura (formally synspilum)
My personal favourite variants are the red headed ones,but that's just personal taste.
Both rivulatus and melanura have been very active outgoing fish in my tanks,always out in the open and begging for food.
I have heard reports of veija being a bit jumpy and skittish but this has never been my experience with this species.
As far as colour goes, both species pop with colour so it really just boils down to preference.

Here are some if my old veija.

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Im jealous that you have had all these beautiful fish. And for overall movement in my tank I think I am looking for all the inhabitants to be outgoing and active. For the GT stocking I like all of the inhabitants but the four lined pims will tend to hide, plus the brown hoplo I wouldnt say is very flashy with color. I guess thats why I like the vieja setup alot with the thorichthys always moving and colorful. But I do love the Green terrors so this will be a tough choice

 

[jvc66]

Stanzzzz7

I do find this kind of attractive, Thoughts?

 

[Stanzzzz7]

Stanzzzz7

I do find this kind of attractive, Thoughts?

So do I. I've admired this tank before.
Very well thought out stock and a nice natural looking scape.I especially like the astyanax tetras but not recommend if breeding is goal as they are natural cichlid fry predators.

 

[jvc66]

So do I. I've admired this tank before.
Very well thought out stock and a nice natural looking scape.I especially like the astyanax tetras but not recommend if breeding is goal as they are natural cichlid fry predators.

Breeding is not the goal at this point. Maybe after my next and final move hopefully. But I am wondering if that stocking is to much for a 71"x30"x24"?

 

[FriedFlowerHornFillet]

Tough call my vote is for synspilum most personality I've seen out of a fish. Some of the more aggressive cichlids just give off this angry prisoner vibe. My Chocolates, Syns and even a few Acara's ate from my hand (without trying to take it off) My Redhead Syn was the coolest fish I ever owned! Never a shy moment in his life. RIP Meatloaf!!!

 

[jvc66]

Tough call my vote is for synspilum most personality I've seen out of a fish. Some of the more aggressive cichlids just give off this angry prisoner vibe. My Chocolates, Syns and even a few Acara's ate from my hand (without trying to take it off) My Redhead Syn was the coolest fish I ever owned! Never a shy moment in his life. RIP Meatloaf!!!

its going to be a tough one but I think the synspilum is really making its case. I think I have more of a vibrant community going that route than the rivulatus. I like everything in both setups but I think the attraction to all the colors is a big plus as well as the personality as you describe. Girlfriend gets final vote so hopefully she chooses wisely!

And did your meatloaf follow you around your tank?