GT dominance - stupid question

[Taomofo]

Is it best to have some tank mates in there for your dominate male GT to chase around and prove his dominance, this helps his colors or does it?
Or best to just have him by himself to rule the tank alone?
I would think the first option would be best for him but was not sure...

 

[shamrock]

Depends on size of tank-and how large your GT is already-I usually try to introduce my fish at the same time or in short spurts-usually when a cichlid has lived alone for a while they don't accept tankmates.

 

[cichlid2006]

as long as you provide good conditions and a good meal for him then he should stay pretty bright. i found that unless heavily stressed a GT is always bright, under stress they can go a grey colour an example is in an lfs.
if you provide a challenge for him then he may just kill it anyway then go back to his routine. if you want to try and see if a competitor matters hold up a mirror to him. see what happens, mine brought out the vertical eye bars much like warpaint but other than that he didnt change colour intensity.

 

[Tilapia-mariae]

as long as you provide good conditions and a good meal for him then he should stay pretty bright. i found that unless heavily stressed a GT is always bright, under stress they can go a grey colour an example is in an lfs.
if you provide a challenge for him then he may just kill it anyway then go back to his routine. if you want to try and see if a competitor matters hold up a mirror to him. see what happens, mine brought out the vertical eye bars much like warpaint but other than that he didnt change colour intensity.

+1 for the mirror.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Depends on the tank size, size of GT and what fish you might add. If the tank is big enough, you can try adding some dithers for him to chase around if he seems "bored". But really, a GT should look beautiful with or without other fish. As long as the GT is healthy and happy it will look nice.

 

[TrikkyMakk]

I am a strong proponent of dithers (I like silver dollars) for my GTs. If you get silver dollars get at least 6.

 

[cichlid2006]

I am a strong proponent of dithers (I like silver dollars) for my GTs. If you get silver dollars get at least 6.

agreed, sometimes they dont need a cichlid in the tank to feel dominant. dithers often do and they will probably last longer than a direct challenge to his authority.