Geophagus Tapajo Mistake?

[EdBar]

Hello, I’m new to the group and other than Angels and Rams new to keeping SA cichlids. I recently set up a 55 gallon SA community tank, the idea was to have a multiple species tank of “peaceful“ SA cichlids. One of which was a beautiful 4” geo tapajo that was very peaceful and getting along great with tankmates. i thought it would be nice to have another, so I purchased one out of the same group about a week or so later but it’s only about 2”. Since adding to my 55 the larger one chases and bullies the smaller. Will this behavior settle down? Do I need to return one? I don’t really have room for a larger group. Any advice is appreciated.

Ed

 

[neutrino]

It's not impossible to have two, some might tell you it is but it's not. However, it's hit or miss and depends on a few variables-- tank size, the individual geos, their gender, the geos not being the dominant fish in the tank, and similar. So what you're seeing isn't surprising. It's not impossible they'd settle down, but not the most likely outcome. You could give it a couple of days, though In this case tank size is not in their favor and unless you stumbled into an eventual pair, it's probably more of an issue as they grow since some males max over 7 inches. Odds under the circumstances are it would be best to return one.

 

[Chiapet29]

What are the current tank mates? You could try & add 2-3 more red heads to try & spread aggression if tank isn't heavily stocked

 

[tlindsey]

Hello, I’m new to the group and other than Angels and Rams new to keeping SA cichlids. I recently set up a 55 gallon SA community tank, the idea was to have a multiple species tank of “peaceful“ SA cichlids. One of which was a beautiful 4” geo tapajo that was very peaceful and getting along great with tankmates. i thought it would be nice to have another, so I purchased one out of the same group about a week or so later but it’s only about 2”. Since adding to my 55 the larger one chases and bullies the smaller. Will this behavior settle down? Do I need to return one? I don’t really have room for a larger group. Any advice is appreciated.

Ed

Welcome aboard

 

[EdBar]

What are the current tank mates? You could try & add 2-3 more red heads to try & spread aggression if tank isn't heavily stocked

I’ve got an adult Angel, two electric blue acara, a keyhole and 5 corys, I don’t think there’d be room for 2-3 more.

 

[EdBar]

Welcome aboard

Thanks

 

[duanes]

As neutrino mentioned, that tank size is not on your side.
While its a good size tank for dwarfs like Rams, other Apistos, or for angels, its not really spacious enough for fish like Geophagines that reach 7".
I always figure 10 gallons per inch, and combine length, width, and height of the fish to reach minimum tank size.
e.g. a couple 7"L Geo's that are 3" tall, and @ an inch wide = at least 100 gallons (a 6ft L footprint)

 

[EdBar]

It's not impossible to have two, some might tell you it is but it's not. However, it's hit or miss and depends on a few variables-- tank size, the individual geos, their gender, the geos not being the dominant fish in the tank, and similar. So what you're seeing isn't surprising. It's not impossible they'd settle down, but not the most likely outcome. You could give it a couple of days, though In this case tank size is not in their favor and unless you stumbled into an eventual pair, it's probably more of an issue as they grow since some males max over 7 inches. Odds under the circumstances are it would be best to return one.

The larger geo is not the dominant fish in the tank, I’d say my Angel is probably top dog and the 2 electric blue acara, who are best buds, are next. I’ve even watched the 3 of them line up and stare him down.

 

[EdBar]

As neutrino mentioned, that tank size is not on your side.
While its a good size tank for dwarfs like Rams, other Apistos, or for angels, its not really spacious enough for fish like Geophagines that reach 7".
I always figure 10 gallons per inch, and combine length, width, and height of the fish to reach minimum tank size.
e.g. a couple 7"L Geo's that are 3" tall, and @ an inch wide = at least 100 gallons (a 6ft L footprint)

I researched beforehand and the advice was you could have 4-5 in a 55 gallon so I figured 2 with a few other SA cichlids would be fine.

 

[duanes]

Yes...

I researched beforehand and the advice was you could have 4-5 in a 55 gallon so I figured 2 with a few other SA cichlids would be fine.

.I've seen such research.
IMO after 60 years of keeping cichlids, and spending a lot of time studying them in nature, I find most average aquarium research highly underestimates the amount of space cichlids actually need for territory and to live communally.