Looking for solitary earth eaters

[ryansmith83]

I'd always heard the Satanoperca were more solitary as adults but I've seen plenty of people keep them in groups. I've also seen plenty of people keep single Geophagus, so really I think it boils down to what works for your individual setup and mix of fish. I find that most small cichlids do best in groups as you're growing them out -- safety in numbers and all that. They tend to be less shy and eat/grow better when they're comfortable. It also allows them to pair naturally and gives you the option of selecting your favorite fish from a group. Truthfully, those are the main reasons I grow all my cichlids out in groups of 6 -12.

I have a solo heckelii and he doesn't seem to be bothered at all by the fact that he's the only one of his kind. He's coloring up and growing his dorsal extensions. My Atabapo severums hate him, though.

 

[neutrino]

I'd always heard the Satanoperca were more solitary as adults but I've seen plenty of people keep them in groups. I've also seen plenty of people keep single Geophagus, so really I think it boils down to what works for your individual setup and mix of fish. I find that most small cichlids do best in groups as you're growing them out -- safety in numbers and all that. They tend to be less shy and eat/grow better when they're comfortable. It also allows them to pair naturally and gives you the option of selecting your favorite fish from a group.

Pretty much sums up my opinion.

IME a number of SA, including geos (or other eartheater types, like guinacara), that like to be in groups as juvies are perfectly content as a pair in a cichlid community, and sometimes singly, as adults. IMO a compatible pair is more interesting, though-- and probably 'happier' in many cases. With Satanoperca, I've seen them appear comfortable either way-- I've kept them singly adults, but that was years ago before internet and access to as much information.

I agree that sometimes it just depends on the individual fish or setup-- with a lot of cichlid species.

 

[Mythic Figment]

So several of you have said adults can do fine in pairs, which is an appealing concept to me since it means I could stock 2-3 different species of geos. But this begs the question of what is considered adult size? I know its impossible to give a single correct answer that applies to all earth eaters, but is there a general rule of thumb or fraction of their ultimate size that would give a good estimate? For instance, something like "most earth eaters can be considered adults when they reach 2/3 their max size", or something along those lines.

Also, Wetspot has some Satanoperca leucosticta at 5" that I'm interested in keeping a pair or single of the species. Would they be considered adults since they about 1/2 their max size?


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[RD.]

If you want "pairs" then I suggest that you purchase a group of juveniles and grow them out, for the reasons that Ryan previously discussed. And yes, a 5" leucosticta could be considered an adult, or semi adult, either way same result in your tank.

 

[Mythic Figment]

If you want "pairs" then I suggest that you purchase a group of juveniles and grow them out, for the reasons that Ryan previously discussed. And yes, a 5" leucosticta could be considered an adult, or semi adult, either way same result in your tank.

Sounds good. I will keep the S. leucosticta as a single since it gets so big. I want to grow out some pairs or singles of small species like argyrostictus, tapajos, pindare, etc. I think it would be cool to have 2-3 different species of geos. I have just always been of the impression that they REQUIRED groups for their entire lives, not just their youth.


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[neutrino]

If you want "pairs" then I suggest that you purchase a group of juveniles and grow them out, for the reasons that Ryan previously discussed. And yes, a 5" leucosticta could be considered an adult, or semi adult, either way same result in your tank.

Agree. Then (imo) let them pair up naturally, which tends to be more reliable than picking a random male and female and hoping they're compatible. Even a good pair may have their spats ime.

Occasionally you can find/buy adult to near adult breeding pairs-- more common with some species (like red head geos) than others-- but more $ than growing your own, can be a lot more for some sought after and less common varieties.

Not everyone has the patience, but I enjoy growing out juvies in a cichlid community tank, enjoy having a group of them bopping around the tank.

 

[Mythic Figment]

Agree. Then (imo) let them pair up naturally, which tends to be more reliable than picking a random male and female and hoping they're compatible. Even a good pair may have their spats ime.

Occasionally you can find/buy adult to near adult breeding pairs-- more common with some species (like red head geos) than others-- but more $ than growing your own, can be a lot more for some sought after and less common varieties.

Not everyone has the patience, but I enjoy growing out juvies in a cichlid community tank, enjoy having a group of them bopping around the tank.

Absolutely. I definitely prefer to grow my own fish out and let them pair up of their own choosing. Saves me money and all I have to do is be patient.


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