i know cichilds are a no no

[andy1985]

I know they are a no no but just wondering about geophagus they aren't aggressive fish.

 

[CTU2fan]

Here it comes, the dreaded "it depends on the fish" answer

I'm 99% sure geos would work with my gar (other than brasiliensis which are very aggressive). Depending on what species you get you might be ok, but a lot of geo species have coloration that will attract your gar's attention (talking about silver spangling etc). Also keep in mind that your geos will grow slower than your gar; grow them out large or buy them large.

 

[E_americanus]

Here it comes, the dreaded "it depends on the fish" answer

I'm 99% sure geos would work with my gar (other than brasiliensis which are very aggressive). Depending on what species you get you might be ok, but a lot of geo species have coloration that will attract your gar's attention (talking about silver spangling etc). Also keep in mind that your geos will grow slower than your gar; grow them out large or buy them large.

i would tend to agree. i have never tried this combination, but it was suggested by an LFS i generally trust a long time ago. it could work...i just don't keep cichlids

again, monitor the fish closely. the general rule is no cichlids with gars, but if the sizes and personalities match up, geos may just work out. safer to just skip it all together if you have other options--
--solomon

 

[xander]

if you're thinking of using them just for sand sifting, go with african bonytongue(mine's doing a great job) or niger cat.

 

[Gator]

They should work fine. I've had a Geophagus jurupari in my tank longer than the gars have been in there and I've never witnessed any aggression towards him or seen any markings on his body to suggest it might be happening.