Large Predatory Haps?

[gobucks1]

I'm looking for something that i could keep a colony of about 4-6 in a standard 180 (6x2x2). Something peacockbass-esque. Preferably about 12"-16" and with pretty good color and predatory habits. They would most likely be the only fish.

So far i've looked at:

Champsochromis Caeruleus
Exochromis Anagenys
Tyrannochromis Macrostoma
Fossochromis Rostratus

Would any of these work, with a combo of maybe 2 males 4-5 females or one male and 3-4 females?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Will

 

[Marius]

Best if you do an all male tank. Especially if you're not interested in breeding, then an all male tank is the most rewarding color wise.

Aristochromis Christyi
Buccochromis species (nototaenia, lepturus etc)
Champsochromis caeruleus or/and spilorhynchus
Dimidiochromis species (compressiceps, kiwinge, strigatus)
Tyrannochromis, Nimbochromis, larger Protomelas species ...can offer one a great array of size, colour and behaviour. With few individual exceptions (there's always some male with an attitude) an all male tank can be a very balanced setup and to have so many adult fish displaying to each other can certainly be a treat.

All the best,
Marius

 

[gobucks1]

Thanks Marius, which of these species would your recommend in particular?

I'm particularly interested in the Caeruleus (because of their size) and the Anagenys (because of their body shape).

Edit: The all male setup sounds pretty appealing, i was just worried about the aggression and the fact that the subdominant males wouldn't display as nice coloration. Would that be an issue?

Thanks,
Will

 

[Otherone]

WOW! what an awesome tank that will be; if Iwas doin it -
Exochromis Anagenys
Christyi
lepturus yellow
Compressiceps
Caeruleus
Tyranno

 

[Marius]

Thanks Marius, which of these species would your recommend in particular?

I'm particularly interested in the Caeruleus (because of their size) and the Anagenys (because of their body shape).

Edit: The all male setup sounds pretty appealing, i was just worried about the aggression and the fact that the subdominant males wouldn't display as nice coloration. Would that be an issue?

Thanks,
Will

Well, you won't be keeping Aulonocara Baenschi in with adult Aristochromis, but as long as you go medium-large haps, you're fine.

Neil (RD) had an all male tank for ages, and besides a few rowdy males all the fish were displaying adult colors without any problems. Apparently, an all male tank means less aggression (due to lack of females) and more color (as males will display to each other).

 

[lateraldisposition]

nimbochromis venustus take a look at them my buddy has one in his 1000g around a foot beutiful ass fish pretty sure it a hap too a little aggressive but beautiful

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I would consider the Fossorochromis, I find the males of that species to be particularly attractive haps, and can go in part of a possible all male tank. I also like the idea of Dimidiochromis kiwinge, I have one and find it to be a very interesting fish

 

[Pittbull]

Too cool in that setup i would go with the Champsochromis, Compressiceps and venustus would be sweet..

 

[gobucks1]

Well, you won't be keeping Aulonocara Baenschi in with adult Aristochromis, but as long as you go medium-large haps, you're fine.

Neil (RD) had an all male tank for ages, and besides a few rowdy males all the fish were displaying adult colors without any problems. Apparently, an all male tank means less aggression (due to lack of females) and more color (as males will display to each other).

That sounds great, does he have any pictures of his tank?

nimbochromis venustus take a look at them my buddy has one in his 1000g around a foot beutiful ass fish pretty sure it a hap too a little aggressive but beautiful

Thanks for the tip. But i'd prefer not to do any of the nimbochromis, they don't really have the body shape i'm going for.

I would consider the Fossorochromis, I find the males of that species to be particularly attractive haps, and can go in part of a possible all male tank. I also like the idea of Dimidiochromis kiwinge, I have one and find it to be a very interesting fish

Yes, i really like the Fossochromis's black and blue colors and the body shape.

Do you think a pair of Kiwinge could work with 5 or so Rostratus?

Too cool in that setup i would go with the Champsochromis, Compressiceps and venustus would be sweet..

Thanks, i don't have the setup or even the tank yet, but sometime soon, hopefully this summer.

I was on another site and they recomended against the Champs. because of something about their swimming habits.

Any info on that?


Thanks,
Will

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I would rather go with an all-male tank, than risk having multiple opposite sex groups