Cichlid Pairing question..

[Mudfrog]

Will cichlids generally stay paired with each other forever? If a new male was introduced would there be a possibility of switching even though the old male was still in the tank or what if one male was taken away and a new one was introduced? I have no idea how fish think which is why I'm asking

 

[fishfreak317]

generally yes, but introducing a new male then gives the female "options". so, i guess it's gonna be a gamble basically. if the new male outgrows the old male, or somehow becomes more dominate then the old one, then you might see a pair change.

 

[balton777]

I've had them switch on a few occasions.

 

[Toby_H]

This is what I “typically” find but there are exceptions to every rule…

Tank with established pair… new male of same species is added…

The existing male will show dominance over the new male… if the old male is tougher then life just sucks for the new male… if the new male is tougher then the battle for #1 begins…

In breeding pairs the female and male usually support one another in such battles but in this case it is likely the female will hang back and watch, or offer encouragement by flaring at the new guy, but not join in the fight.

If the new male wins… he suppresses the old male to whatever degree he chooses… the female will probably not pair off with the new male ‘instantly’ but within a few days I would expect her to come around.

Both fish of the pair would prefer to remain together, if they are a strong healthy pair… but the way the Cichlid world works is usually the bigger male gets the girl…

 

[dirtyblacksocks]

It's also dependant on which fish, more aggressive cichlids will pair with the dominant fish in the tank.

Discus and such will stay paired for life.

 

[Taz2478]

people usually try more females because males are more prone to kill ea other.

try it and let us know