Gymnogeophagus Tankmates?

[House 64]

As stated in my previous thread, I've broken down my CA tank to set up a SA tank! Ordered and received my stock of Gymnogeophagus late last night! Here's the plan for the tank.

Gymnogeophagus Paso Pache
Gymnogeophagus Australis Rio Urguay
Gymnogeophagus Oli Mar Labiatus
Gymnogeophagus El Norte

270g. tank (72"x36"x24")
Sand Substrate
Rock and Driftwood decor
Anubius and Java Fern
2 Fluval FX5
No Heaters

Looking for tankmates that will not outgrow the tank and are community friendly. Options were to add the following:

Crenicichla minuano
Gymno. Balzani

(Minuano's maybe ruled out due to the cost of each.... I would like to put in about 5 or so but at $30-$40 ea. it could get costly).

Considering variants of Corydoras, Tetras and/or other South American's that could sustain in an unheated tank within the approximate range of 64-72 degrees in the Spring/Summer and 58-68 degree in the Fall/Winter months. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Sean

 

[SusieQ]

Hi Sean... Just a thought.. I've not done it myself but somewhere.... maybe on the The Cichlid Room Companion (CRC) forum or the Eartheaters forum... one of the guys found some sort of green swordtail to combo with his gymno... Said they were commonly found together and fine with the change in temps and the cooler temps. If I can find the thread I'll let you know.. I don't think it was on the Cichli-Forum site but there are a lot of geo/gymno guys there also. You might check those forums as well as PM Nuthman, Ken Davis and of course Felipe Cantera... among others.. Sounds like its gonna be a great tank... Pics please HTH Sue

 

[darth pike]

The best cory would probably be peppered cories (Corydoras paleatus) which is found in the south, with close possible color forms or close sibling species actually found in Uruguay. Bloodfin tetras or white cloud mountain minnows both should be able to handle the cold, though the WCMM might not survive the pikes if you do end up choosing them.

 

[Reiner]

Sean check out Buenos Aires Tetras. They can handle easily temps in the mid 60's and grow to about 3" when fully grown with nice red fins and a blue sheen on the body. Also they are readily available even at places like Petco.

 

[dogofwar]

I use buenos aires tetras as well as goodeid livebearers. I have mine in with Ameca splendens, Xenoteca eiseni, Chaplicthys pardalis and a couple of others. They're a great source of live food and also enjoy the cooler temps.

 

[House 64]

one of the guys found some sort of green swordtail to combo with his gymno... Said they were commonly found together and fine with the change in temps and the cooler temps.

Thanks Sue! (and Darth). I was thinking the same thing.... I actually had some Swords that I purchased thinking they were the "Green" but they were slowly picked off by my Hoplarchus Psittucus..... do you know where I can get the true Green Swords? Don't think LFS carry them.

Sean check out Buenos Aires Tetras.

Thanks Reiner.... I'll check them out!

 

[dogofwar]

There are paleatus-type cories found in Uruguay...as well as aeneus type...slightly different varieties every place we collected!

The best cory would probably be peppered cories (Corydoras paleatus) which is found in the south, with close possible color forms or close sibling species actually found in Uruguay. Bloodfin tetras or white cloud mountain minnows both should be able to handle the cold, though the WCMM might not survive the pikes if you do end up choosing them.

 

[fishfarm]

There are no swordtails in Uruguay (or even close) only Poeciliads there are very small, There are a number of Jenysia species that would work as well as tetras such as the Beunos Aires, bloodfins and Serpae, Paleatus and Aneus cories are also found that far south. Which Paso Pache did you egt the Gymnogenys (1)or Rhabdotus (2) type? PP2 will cross with the Norte. Otherwise good mix. You could also add one Astroloheros species. Ken

 

[House 64]

Thanks Dogofwar...... I'll google some of the pictures/info and see what best fits and is also available.

There are no swordtails in Uruguay (or even close) only Poeciliads there are very small, There are a number of Jenysia species that would work as well as tetras such as the Beunos Aires, bloodfins and Serpae, Paleatus and Aneus cories are also found that far south. Which Paso Pache did you egt the Gymnogenys (1)or Rhabdotus (2) type? PP2 will cross with the Norte. Otherwise good mix. You could also add one Astroloheros species. Ken

Thanks Ken.... I think they're the Paso Pache 1. I know the picture is a generic photo, perhaps that belong to someone you know, but it was used as a reference photo for me. They are also F1. I'll do a search on some of your suggestions..... see what will work in the tank. Would like your Pikes but my wife has my wallet!

 

[SusieQ]

Hi again... Thanks for clearing that up Ken.. I guess they must have just said that the swords could handle temps and they were using them.. It's been a while since I saw the thread and since I wasn't keeping the gymnos just scanned it and only thought I remembered them saying they found them there in the wild together.. I know it was some sort of special green sword.. was just trying to think of something other than a bottom fish or a BA tetra... So thanks for the info...
Sean.. keep posting so we see how the tank evolves. Good luck Sue