Monarch Cichlid

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R

Robert S

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2007
46
0
6
Canton, MI
I saw a gorgeous fish about 8 inches at a LFS today listed as a "Monarch Cichlid". I believe it's a Freidrichstahlii or "Freddie". I'd like to pick it up for my 300 gallon Oscar/catfish tank but I'm afraid it would tear everyone up. The guy at the store said it came from a commercial account and it was housed with Oscars and other big cichlids and seemed to be fine. He thought as long as I didn't have anything it would try to breed with things should be fine.

Well my wifes treats the Oscars like they're her puppies so I'm catious about taking the risk. Any opinions?? My gut is to go in another direction, but it's a beauty. Thanks for any thoughts.
 
from what I've read, you are correct that a "monarch cichlid" is a friederichstalli . . . and yes, I think you would have problems putting it in with your Oscars; but, since you have a 300G tank, you can probably take a chance . . .
 
Yeah they go by yellow jacket cichlid also.
 
Its hit or miss, but they seem to be about the least aggressive parachromis IMO. Mine were pretty passive and were the biggest fish in the tank.
 
flowerpower;3384871; said:
Least aggressive?
Click to expand...

Yes, as I stated, LEAST aggressive of the Parachromis family, which includes of Dovii, RTMs, Loisellei & Jags, freddies being the least aggressive IME.

Have you had all the others before? speaking from personal experience? I am.

In nature, for the most part, freddies are ambush predators. They will act dead and wait for a fish to come to them rather than chase them down. I think this accounts for their more passive nature, again, compared to the other parachromis.
 
Fredrichstahli are indeed the least aggressive of the true guapotes. I have kept many of them and I would place them on the level of a texas cichlid as far as temperment goes. But in terms of physical capability they far outpace texas cichlids. They have the psuedocaninies and jaw power to do serious damage. As long as your oscars dont try to bully the freddy you should be alright. But if the other fish in the tank attempt to bully the freddy, things could end in disaster. Make a judgement call..Will the other fish in the tank leave the freddy alone? If so go for it.
 
Thanks for the advice, I might give it a try. The 3 Oscars are huge and don't really bother anything else in the tank. They tend to school and any disagreements are between themselves. They don't mess with the other fish. If I try it I'll let you guys know how it goes. Thanks again!!

Rob in Michigan
 
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