Convict controll

[Thalassa]

I put the three genera up to give you options, depending whatever what might available in your area, any will work.
I have Roeboides because they are common here, and that's what came up in the catch net, and I want my tank to be geographically correct. I also like them because they are almost the same size as my cichlids, so not at all intimidated by them.
View attachment 1437548
They are scale eaters, and occasionally take swipes at the cichlids with their vampire like teeth.
View attachment 1437550
I also like that they are not brightly, or gaudily colored, which would distract from the main focus of the tank, the cichlids,
but still interesting enough in their own right.
View attachment 1437551
You may find that where you live, serpae or black tetras are the only ones with enough size to handle your cichlids, and that are availabler in your LFSs,
If I had an Amatitlania tank (convict genus) I would probably want Astyanax tetras because these are the type tetras more commonly found in the areas same where convicts are found, and "may" be available in your LFS

Thanks, great info, what species of Roeboides do you have they look really cool.

 

[Thalassa]

3 exodons should handle it and wont be a strain on the tank at all.

My understanding is if you only have 3, they would tear each other apart and you need a larger number?

 

[duanes]

I believe mine are either R. bouchellei, or R.ilseae, but I'm not expert enough at tetras to tell the difference from the description in my taxonomic guide.
Something about the mid body blotch being the same size as, or larger than the pupil being the major difference between the two headstander species.
Here in Panama all tetras with this appearance are simply called Sardinitas. (just as many different species of medium cichlids are chogorros)

 

[Deadeye]

My understanding is if you only have 3, they would tear each other apart and you need a larger number?

Sometimes you can get an anomaly, it may depend on available space.
Experienced exodon keepers may be able to chime in.


What about smaller mbunas, technically more vegetarian but wouldn’t hesitate to kill a baby fish.

 

[Thalassa]

I believe mine are either R. bouchellei, or R.ilseae, but I'm not expert enough at tetras to tell the difference from the description in my taxonomic guide.
Something about the mid body blotch being the same size as, or larger than the pupil being the major difference between the two headstander species.
Here in Panama all tetras with this appearance are simply called Sardinitas. (just as many different species of medium cichlids are chogorros)

I have never really liked tetra's but seeing the pescivore aspect of them makes them a lot more interesting.

I appreciate the info!

 

[duanes]

I have never really liked tetra's but seeing the pescivore aspect of them makes them a lot more interesting.

I appreciate the info!

In general, Tetras are much more predatory than cichlids, most cichlids are omnivores, many ever vegetarians, only a few are the aggressive fish eaters most people perceive them as.

 

[Thalassa]

In general, Tetras are much more predatory than cichlids, most cichlids are omnivores, many ever vegetarians, only a few are the aggressive fish eaters most people perceive them as.

Pretty interesting, what would be the next step down from an exodon?