Keyhole Cichlids advice

[Topping]

Hi,

I have a decent sized keyhole cichlid in my community set up, not sure on the sex? perhaps you can help with the attached photo? ()sorry for poor quality will try again when the helialux is out of the dimming phase.

My querstion is this keyhole is now about 2 - 2.3inches and alone as its mate died shortly after buying at juvinile size. Should I be looking at getting it a partner or two? It seems happy enough but feel it would be ince for it to not be alone. Onlyh issue is in store they are typically bought much smaller 1inch roughly. And hard to sex at that size. I know they are hard to sex when small? Should I get one more and risk potential bullying? or is another two smaller ones better? and will the size difference matter?

The tank is a heavily planted 125 litre (30 gal) Juwel Rio 125

EDIT I should note other tank mates are

8 bronze corys
12 Harlequins
11 Cardinals
1 random guppy I saved from mistreatment

 

[tlindsey]

Should I get one more and risk potential bullying? or is another two smaller ones better? and will the size difference matter?

Welcome aboard
Beautiful setup.
I personally would just keep the Keyhole solo.
If you decide to add another I suggest adding like 3 more around the same size. Once 2 of them pair off rehome the 2. Adding just 1 will like you stated cause risk of harassment between just 2 because adding another male or female doesn't mean that they will pair up. All fish especially Cichlid species forms a hierarchy.

 

[SalviniCichlidFan]

Hi,

I have a decent sized keyhole cichlid in my community set up, not sure on the sex? perhaps you can help with the attached photo? ()sorry for poor quality will try again when the helialux is out of the dimming phase.

My querstion is this keyhole is now about 2 - 2.3inches and alone as its mate died shortly after buying at juvinile size. Should I be looking at getting it a partner or two? It seems happy enough but feel it would be ince for it to not be alone. Onlyh issue is in store they are typically bought much smaller 1inch roughly. And hard to sex at that size. I know they are hard to sex when small? Should I get one more and risk potential bullying? or is another two smaller ones better? and will the size difference matter?

The tank is a heavily planted 125 litre (30 gal) Juwel Rio 125

EDIT I should note other tank mates are

8 bronze corys
12 Harlequins
11 Cardinals
1 random guppy I saved from mistreatment

View attachment 1495561

View attachment 1495562

Beautiful planted tank! Yours looks like the ideal for most planted tank wannabes.

 

[FINWIN]

Gorgeous tank, great layout! Your fish look healthy. Is that a black/white sand mix?

 

[Topping]

Welcome aboard
Beautiful setup.
I personally would just keep the Keyhole solo.
If you decide to add another I suggest adding like 3 more around the same size. Once 2 of them pair off rehome the 2. Adding just 1 will like you stated cause risk of harassment between just 2 because adding another male or female doesn't mean that they will pair up. All fish especially Cichlid species forms a hierarchy.

Thank youf or the kind words. Yes I think you might be right, I may look around at reselllers who have alrgers ones that may be more compatabile. That being said the keyhole seems happy enough alone.

 

[Topping]

Beautiful planted tank! Yours looks like the ideal for most planted tank wannabes.

Wow thank you for your kind words, I really appreacite that. I think it looks much better in person than in photos :/ I may do a video and post sometime.

 

[Topping]

Gorgeous tank, great layout! Your fish look healthy. Is that a black/white sand mix?

Thank you, yes the harlequins are looking stunning right now, and the coryydoras are super plump and happy.

The sand is called limpopo black, its a very natural looking mix of black brown and white/grey particles that has been my go-to for years.

 

[Topping]

Welcome aboard
Beautiful setup.
I personally would just keep the Keyhole solo.
If you decide to add another I suggest adding like 3 more around the same size. Once 2 of them pair off rehome the 2. Adding just 1 will like you stated cause risk of harassment between just 2 because adding another male or female doesn't mean that they will pair up. All fish especially Cichlid species forms a hierarchy.

On a seperate note I have had some people recommend me getting a pair of bolivian Rams, I have kept these in the past and love them, but never with other dwarfs, would they be okay in a tank this size, it is as you can see densely planted..

 

[tlindsey]

a pair of bolivian Rams

You'll have to know for sure it is a true pair. I think it will work but wouldn't add anymore Cichlids.

 

[tlindsey]

Wow thank you for your kind words, I really appreacite that. I think it looks much better in person than in photos :/ I may do a video and post sometime.

MFK has tank of the month and I think you should enter.