I picked up a couple of Geo. altifrons from the LFS a few months ago (I got the only two they had), and while they did well together at first, one has become increasingly dominant and the other increasingly stressed by it, so I think I'm needing to add a few more to the mix. I'm curious, though... must I get altifrons, or can I add something like red head tapajos or steindachneri to the mix and still get the loose shoaling/dissipation of aggression I'm after?
Geophagus schooling question
- Thread starter jhanif
- Start date
Depends on the tank size. If u want less aggressions from altifron then mix 2 males to 4-5 female ratio it would help but theres always a risk. I would suggest 120+ gallons for the long run.
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I keep 7 species of geo in the same tank right now groups from 6 to a couple singles. They almost never group with others the red heads stay with the red heads the jups with the jups the alts with the alts. Just my experience so far.
They're in a 55 for the time being with a 150 waiting after some more growth. I'm really just curious if there will be interaction between red head tapajos (or steindachneris) and altifrons, or if the pecking orders will be conspecific. I am not so worried about there being a bit of aggression, I would just rather there be a few more to spread the aggression out (or at least I hope that would be the effect--anyone with more Geo experience than me feel free to chime in and correct me).
I'd like a bit of variety is all, but I don't want to get red head tapajos if it won't help the one altifrons be less of a punching bag.
I'd like a bit of variety is all, but I don't want to get red head tapajos if it won't help the one altifrons be less of a punching bag.
I have read a lot of similar observations. I would think that DJ would be correct. Some fish are weird about it (racist LOL), while others could care less.
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While they may chase or nip other Geo species, they will not have extended interaction with them in most cases. Most interactions will be conspecific. Is there a reason you can't move them to the larger tank now? That would probably calm them down a bit. Adding a few more wouldn't hurt given you have the room. I always buy a minimum of six of everything, just because it seems to be a good number for evening out a pecking order.
+1
Especially in the cichlid world where a pecking order is necessary to keep your fish alive 9 times out of 10.
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