Has anyone ever mixed a Vieja with Geophagus?

[Wills88]

Has anyone ever mixed a Vieja with Geophagus? I really really want a Vieja but we have a group of Geophagus Winemilleri which I know need different water but I use tap water which is neutral more a less.

Tank is 135g and the other cichlids are a female nic and 3 severums.

Could it ever possibly work or is it just a train wreck that I should forget about?

Wills

 

[Sarah88]

i currently have a vieja argentea with a group of 4 small surinamensis and everything is fine so far but my arg is very chill for the species, he is fine with any fish that is too large to eat and doesnt try to fight with him. so my advice is it depends on what sp you get as some are generally more mellow (arg being among the more aggressive usually) but ultimately it depends on the individual fish, you may get one that is totally chill or you could get one that goes on a rampage, water conditions should be fine since you aren't doing anything to mess with the chemistry

 

[Wills88]

Yeah I really like the Arg but heard they are one of the more agressive ones, I have seen a stunning huge Blackbelt (again not suitable) but thats whats got me wanting it.

I have heard that Regani are meant to be okayish. Not really into the red headed ones but any recomendations as to what could work?

thanks Wills

 

[aclockworkorange]

I wouldn't recommend it at all. Sarah, your argentea might be ok right now, but that might very well change when he hits 6-8". All vieja get large and aggressive (some more than others), and they could kill any geophagus if they decide one day they don't like them (anyone can tell you large Centrals have a tendency to do that). Just not worth the risk IMO. Not to mention they prefer very different water chemistry.
If you like larger cichlids, why not choose a nice large SA species that isn't so aggressive?

 

[Wills88]

thanks I might give it a miss then. Still quite tempted to sell up and get that black belt I have seen he is amazing!

When you say larger SA did you have anything in mind? I have never really been attracted to the huge cichlids but I have never had the tank before.

I know some of my Sevs will get huge - I have 1 true Heros Severus who is about 5 and about 6 inches and 2 your Belems that are growing quick but not sure how big they will end up I spoke to someone who has a group who maxed out about 8 inches but I would really like a big chap nearing 12 inches in there

thanks again Wills

 

[Sarah88]

I wouldn't recommend it at all. Sarah, your argentea might be ok right now, but that might very well change when he hits 6-8". All vieja get large and aggressive (some more than others), and they could kill any geophagus if they decide one day they don't like them (anyone can tell you large Centrals have a tendency to do that). Just not worth the risk IMO. Not to mention they prefer very different water chemistry.
If you like larger cichlids, why not choose a nice large SA species that isn't so aggressive?

yeah i didnt actually recommend the arg as i know in most cases they are really aggressive, i was just saying what is working in my tank right now and that my arg is definitely an exception, but that the OP would have better luck with a sp that is generally more mild. and my arg is 7in so i definitely know that it can still change and am keeping an eye on him but so far he has shown no aggression towards anything that hasn't started a fight with him.

as for other suggestions im not really experienced with the other vieja types personality wise and you say you dont like synspilums but regani and zonatum are pretty cool looking...

 

[aclockworkorange]

thanks I might give it a miss then. Still quite tempted to sell up and get that black belt I have seen he is amazing!

When you say larger SA did you have anything in mind? I have never really been attracted to the huge cichlids but I have never had the tank before.

I know some of my Sevs will get huge - I have 1 true Heros Severus who is about 5 and about 6 inches and 2 your Belems that are growing quick but not sure how big they will end up I spoke to someone who has a group who maxed out about 8 inches but I would really like a big chap nearing 12 inches in there

thanks again Wills

Healthy male severums get BIG. They can definitely get near 12".

Some other bigger SAs would be Hypselecara temporalis, Hypselecara coryphaenoides, Uaru amphiacanthoides (or Uaru fernandezyepezi, but they are quite expensive and can be difficult to care for), or any of the larger satanoperca species. Acarichthys heckelii are also quite nice, but max out around 8".
You may also be interested in discus, angelfish (altums grow quite large), and crenicichla--although you will have to do research into proper care as far as water chemistry and aggression levels towards your current stock with whatever species you're interested in.

 

[Wills88]

yeah I totally agree on the research and believe me I do I know this thread could have been quite a noobish post but I cant find much info on mixing Viejas but then again there is probably a reason for it.

Problem is for me Ive had that many SAs that I just dont know what to go for :/ chocolates might be an option though Or maybe Uaru..... not sure lol!

Wills

 

[aclockworkorange]

yeah i didnt actually recommend the arg as i know in most cases they are really aggressive, i was just saying what is working in my tank right now and that my arg is definitely an exception, but that the OP would have better luck with a sp that is generally more mild. and my arg is 7in so i definitely know that it can still change and am keeping an eye on him but so far he has shown no aggression towards anything that hasn't started a fight with him.

as for other suggestions im not really experienced with the other vieja types personality wise and you say you dont like synspilums but regani and zonatum are pretty cool looking...

Looking at the tank mates listed in your signature, I would not find it too surprising if your argentea tolerated them. The angel is likely so differently shaped and behaving that the argentea probably just thinks he is weird.
The juvi green severum is likely not seen as a threat due to his size.
But if you were to put in another larger Cichlid, you might see a very different side to your argentea.

One of the great things about cichlids is behavior, which can vary so much between individuals (even siblings) and can change at any time. This is part of the appeal! I hope your argentea continues being a gentleman with his tank mates. But as far as advice to others, I would say it's a bad idea to mix them with less aggressive SA species (which I know you understand, I DID read your post).

 

[aclockworkorange]

If you want to start keeping more aggressive centrals, why not set up a separate tank for them? Many species could live as a pair quite happily in something like a 75 gallon.