Nicaraguan bio-tope: feedback/advice needed

[DarylMac]

Hi,

I'm looking at picking up a 240g tank (8' x2' x2'). I'd like to try and create a Nicaraguan biotope. Not dead set on which lake as it will depend on what fish I can obtain, but I also need your advice since I don't have any experience keeping the larger fish on my wish list... Maybe this isn't possible? So here goes.

Lake Nicaragua:

- Amatilania Nigrofasciata
- Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
- Amphilophus citrinellum
- Parachromis loisellei

In this tank I would hope to keep a small breeding colony of Convicts and Nics. I'd also like to keep a couple of the larger cichlids on the list, but no breeding pairs of the big guys. My thoughts were 1 parachromis as I have read they are generally a solitary fish, and 2 or 3 Midas, all males maybe? If that's a bad idea I would be happy enough with 1 specimen. Just figured more would help spread out aggression and I have read they often live in 'shoals' and only pair off when breeding.

An 8 foot tank seems like such a massive aquarium I presume this idea would have a decent chance at working out long term. But I've never kept the heavy hitters so I really don't know.


The second idea involved only two species of cichlid, but includes keeping a pair of Parachromis Motaguensis with another species they are commonly found with. Either Thorichthys aureus or Archocentrus spilurus.

This is actually my preferred idea - but it's also comprised of fish I have never seen locally and would have to have shipped in. I have also read that breeding red tiger mots can get hyper aggressive, and the male can get really rough with the female. I'm less sure this one could work out long term.

Any and all feedback is appreciated. This is in all reality months away from coming to fruition. I just like to plan.

Cheers,

Daryl

 

[dan518]

I think the first idea would stand a good chance of working with 3 male citrinellus, but leave the Parachromis out.
Don't think the thorichthys would be able to cope with rtm, spilurus might stand a better chance.
If you haven't already take a look at Lee nuttels YouTube channel, lee1973n or his central scene magazine. Keep us updated on the project sounds good.

 

[dan518]

I think the first idea would stand a good chance of working with 3 male citrinellus, but leave the Parachromis out.
Don't think the thorichthys would be able to cope with rtm, spilurus might stand a better chance.
If you haven't already take a look at Lee nuttels YouTube channel, lee1973n or his central scene magazine. Keep us updated on the project sounds good.

All so you need to make sure when scaping the tank that's there are lots of crevices for the little guys to get away

 

[DarylMac]

Thanks Dan. Lee's channel is great. I've drawn a lot of inspiration from his tanks, and those of other people on YouTube & MFK.

My idea with the Loiselle was that as a piscevore it would keep the number of Cons in check; a natural way to deal with thousands of convict fry. I've read that Midas are omnivorous and presumed they are opportunistic like most cichlids... but their general bulk and body shape does not suggest an efficient predator!

Am I wrong on that?

 

[MP_cichlid]

Not completely, the amphilophus are much less on the piscevore side than parachromis.

 

[kewpiefishypewpie]

Thanks Dan. Lee's channel is great. I've drawn a lot of inspiration from his tanks, and those of other people on YouTube & MFK.

My idea with the Loiselle was that as a piscevore it would keep the number of Cons in check; a natural way to deal with thousands of convict fry. I've read that Midas are omnivorous and presumed they are opportunistic like most cichlids... but their general bulk and body shape does not suggest an efficient predator!

Am I wrong on that?

I believe Citrinellus, as well as Labiatus, stick closer to rocks and get their food that way. Whereas Amphilophus Sagittae is more of an open water predator with a body more designed for swimming and pursuit.

But then there's the whole fact that we're talking about a fish tank, not nature. In nature a convict, theoretically, could just swim away from a Citrinellus-making them a bad predator in that specific circumstance. I don't think they would have trouble catching them in a closed glass box though.

As a side note this is a really awesome idea and I hope you go through with it and share your results!