Trying to start up again in the UK after 25 years, and as I posted on the London thread, I am looking to get some cichlids, but a lot of the shops I used are long gone. Another thing is that over the years, the names of fish have changed, it seemed they were all "cichlasoma" this or that, so the fish I was aware of may not have the same name I remember. What I would like is a tank, 72" x 24" x 24", about 170 US gallons, with a few medium size cichlids from different groups to try and minimize aggression and inbreeding. browsing the net I have come across a few sites with data on CA cichlids, but a lot of the time this data is contradictory when it comes to size and aggression , as well as scientific names. For the tank I am after I have whittled the fish down to Rostratus/Robertsoni or similar, Panamensis,Nicaraguan,Hartwegi and Irregularis. would one of each work in a tank that size and are they dissimilar enough to be of no threat to each other ? I hope I have the names right. I was going to do a SA set up, but my tap water dictates otherwise. Also, if any UK members have any recommendations for cichlid breeders/stockist in the SE of England, and for tank and cabinet makers/suppliers, I would be grateful, though getting anything at present could be difficult. The last tank I had made was by a company about half a mile away, but like most around here it has gone.
Medium CA cichlids (up to 8")
- Thread starter RAB60
- Start date
A group of rostratus or robertsoni would work out great in the long term for that tank size. Any cribroheros in fact as they are earth eating CA cichlids. Can also mix any thorichthys w/ them w/out aggression issues.
I agree with Toiletcar, some cichlids like the genus Cribroheros, and Thorichthys do best if kept in shoals of their own kind.
If kept as single species they often become hyper aggressive. I had often read about how C rostratus were troublesome in that regard, but I kept a group of 15in a tank, and never saw any aggression.
Same with C Robertson,mmy group of half dozen shared a species only tank.
I have also kept T irregularis, and found (it being a rheophillic species) they require a constant higher current and oxygen levels than the others you mention, to remain healthy.
For this species, a powerhead pushing a wall of water across the length of the tank would go a long way to success.
If kept as single species they often become hyper aggressive. I had often read about how C rostratus were troublesome in that regard, but I kept a group of 15in a tank, and never saw any aggression.
Same with C Robertson,mmy group of half dozen shared a species only tank.
I have also kept T irregularis, and found (it being a rheophillic species) they require a constant higher current and oxygen levels than the others you mention, to remain healthy.
For this species, a powerhead pushing a wall of water across the length of the tank would go a long way to success.
Since rostratus comes from Lake Nicaragua, Hypsophrys nicaraguense would be a species it would share habitat with in nature.
Many other cichlids from the lake such as Amphilophus would be too aggressive.
If it were me, I'd go with some of the larger live bearers of the habitat, as they would occupy the more upper regions of the tank the cichlids normally avoid, and they would act as dither fish, that help make the cichlids feel secure.
Many other cichlids from the lake such as Amphilophus would be too aggressive.
If it were me, I'd go with some of the larger live bearers of the habitat, as they would occupy the more upper regions of the tank the cichlids normally avoid, and they would act as dither fish, that help make the cichlids feel secure.
I have also found HRPs and vieja melanura to work well. I would avoid most other vieja, amphs, herichthys etc..I have also found salvini work well for some reason. Maybe it’s tank size as I find them more territorial. I only keep a single one. Even male salvini. Some people will disagree but I’ve had 5 work out fine.
Hi guys I have a 64 gallon fish tank and was wondering if I could put and 4-5 inch albino oscar in there on his own I have never kept Oscars but I have kept other chiclids it’s a normal internal juwel filter and a water change every 2 weeks could i or should I get something else ?
You should start your own thread, most people won't see your question buried in this thread. But to answer the question, a 64 gallon is too small for an oscar, and any large fish in your tank will require more than biweekly water changes.
If you only want one solo fish, anything that maxes out at about 10-12" would be OK. An oscar is super bulky, and can reach more like 14-15". A fish that size in a 64, will require one large (more than 50%) water change per week, to avoid health problems. A female amphilophus would be a good choice for a personable fish that will max out your tank IMO.
CA genre to look for under 8 inches:
Cribroheros
Cryptoheros
Neetroplus
Thorichthys
Amatitlania
Hypsophrys have a chance to get to 10-12 but usually stay around 8
Herotilapia
Panamius
Archocentrus
Rheoheros
Cribroheros
Cryptoheros
Neetroplus
Thorichthys
Amatitlania
Hypsophrys have a chance to get to 10-12 but usually stay around 8
Herotilapia
Panamius
Archocentrus
Rheoheros