Looking for stocking help

[iloveyouDIE]

Thanks..

I've only ever owned 'friendly' cichlids. Of course I've never gone out of my way to buy one that I know was notorious for being nasty (FH, big oscars, JD, GT, etc).

I've of course had cichlids eating smaller tankmates but that's been okay, if not expected. The only small fish we are really really attached to are the pictus. They are just such a charming group and I would be upset if they got picked off.

 

[Dreamsing]

Thanks..

I've only ever owned 'friendly' cichlids. Of course I've never gone out of my way to buy one that I know was notorious for being nasty (FH, big oscars, JD, GT, etc).

I've of course had cichlids eating smaller tankmates but that's been okay, if not expected. The only small fish we are really really attached to are the pictus. They are just such a charming group and I would be upset if they got picked off.

I've read a lot about them liking big groups (pictus that is) and the more you have in a group the safer they are supposed to be. Since they shoal they seem more intimmidating to the larger fish and are less likely to be eaten. They can tear other fish up if they want to as well. I've got four in a tank with a dwarph pike cichild who eats anything she can hang onto long enough to kill, but she hasn't even tried to pick on the pictus.

 

[iloveyouDIE]

We did start with one pictus.. he seemed so shy we bought 2 more and now they are all over the place. Buying more sounds great though. Also love our sun catfish though I know he'll get big.. he's got a cute face and hasn't been too aggressive except if anyone goes looking for food around 'his' cave.

The new tank has PLENTY of hiding area. I think they will all be happy.

Not going to buy any new fish RIGHT away.. I'm going to wait.. see how they settle in and divvy up the territory.. and then see what I am dealing with.

 

[Dreamsing]

I definately understand the pictus love. They are the most facinating and energetic fish I've had so far. They definately get more happy and active the more you have. I haven't read any recommendations that say it's good to have fewer than three, but they all agree that you can't really have too many.