Non-Cichlid Tankmates for my Severum
- Thread starter ktluvsfish
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I would do a group of some kind of cats or loaches, maybe larger characin types like a group of hujetas or a pinktail chalceus, or bichirs, or maybe a smaller knife like an African brown. I'd try the ram/apisto idea but they are still cichlids and he may not go for it.
Wow, thanks for all of the great ideas guys 
I don't want to put any other cichlids in with him because I just don't want to risk it. I had curviceps and keyholes (which sevs are supposed to do fine with) and the hid and looked stressed all the time. I just think that he'll be happier as a single cichlid in the tank and I am tired of purchasing and taking back cichlids in hopes that I will find one that he is compatible with, lol.
I like the idea of pictus cats. Does anyone know how big they get? I have heard anywhere from 5-10 inches, but that's not very specific. I do love congo tetras (they are one of the few exceptions to my dislike of tetras), but I can only find them at around 10 dollars per fish which I can't afford to spend right now. I would do balas, but I want to stock fish that can live in this tank permanently. I don't want to re-home fish as they get too big. Loaches or cories would be cool, but I have heard mixed reviews about severums trying to eat them. Has anyone here actually kept them together? A knife would be cool, but the only ones that I can find around here are the black ghost knifes....would that be to large for my tank? Also, would my more peaceful fish, like my rainbows, be in danger (I know that they BGK's are preditory)? Thanks so much for the suggestions so far! Let me know if you have any other ideas
Here is a pic of the tank. My sev is hiding in the pic, and the tank looks super empty right now. I am planning on adding some floating plant to the tank in a few weeks to give my sev something to snack on.
I don't want to put any other cichlids in with him because I just don't want to risk it. I had curviceps and keyholes (which sevs are supposed to do fine with) and the hid and looked stressed all the time. I just think that he'll be happier as a single cichlid in the tank and I am tired of purchasing and taking back cichlids in hopes that I will find one that he is compatible with, lol.I like the idea of pictus cats. Does anyone know how big they get? I have heard anywhere from 5-10 inches, but that's not very specific. I do love congo tetras (they are one of the few exceptions to my dislike of tetras), but I can only find them at around 10 dollars per fish which I can't afford to spend right now. I would do balas, but I want to stock fish that can live in this tank permanently. I don't want to re-home fish as they get too big. Loaches or cories would be cool, but I have heard mixed reviews about severums trying to eat them. Has anyone here actually kept them together? A knife would be cool, but the only ones that I can find around here are the black ghost knifes....would that be to large for my tank? Also, would my more peaceful fish, like my rainbows, be in danger (I know that they BGK's are preditory)? Thanks so much for the suggestions so far! Let me know if you have any other ideas
Here is a pic of the tank. My sev is hiding in the pic, and the tank looks super empty right now. I am planning on adding some floating plant to the tank in a few weeks to give my sev something to snack on.
You may be able to house a BGK in your 80g for life if you wanted. I raised mine from 1.5-4.5" in my 29g, from 4.5-6.5" in my 40Breeder, and he is now in my 55g thriving at 6.5". They are very slow growers, usually growing around 6" per year.
They are pretty docile for the most part, but once they establish a "house", some will defend it by doing what I have coined "the BGK headbutt"... It's not really harmful to the other fish, but it gets the point across. I kept my BGK with my 3.5" sev in my 40 breeder for months with no issues. Other fish seem to be confused by the BGK. I had a pair of sevs that would keep a distance from the BGK and just sort of "watch it".
I know others will tell you that they will need 100+ gallons to live for life, but after owning one for a while (a year), and witnessing their behavior daily, I can tell you they don't need as much space as most will lead you to believe.
Just my opinion, nothing more.
They are pretty docile for the most part, but once they establish a "house", some will defend it by doing what I have coined "the BGK headbutt"... It's not really harmful to the other fish, but it gets the point across. I kept my BGK with my 3.5" sev in my 40 breeder for months with no issues. Other fish seem to be confused by the BGK. I had a pair of sevs that would keep a distance from the BGK and just sort of "watch it".
I know others will tell you that they will need 100+ gallons to live for life, but after owning one for a while (a year), and witnessing their behavior daily, I can tell you they don't need as much space as most will lead you to believe.
Just my opinion, nothing more.
lol.... I just realized I didn't mention the +/- 12" they will grow to if cared for properly. Some people get there's to 15" and over.Stump;3021035; said:You may be able to house a BGK in your 80g for life if you wanted. I raised mine from 1.5-4.5" in my 29g, from 4.5-6.5" in my 40Breeder, and he is now in my 55g thriving at 6.5". They are very slow growers, usually growing around 6" per year.
They are pretty docile for the most part, but once they establish a "house", some will defend it by doing what I have coined "the BGK headbutt"... It's not really harmful to the other fish, but it gets the point across. I kept my BGK with my 3.5" sev in my 40 breeder for months with no issues. Other fish seem to be confused by the BGK. I had a pair of sevs that would keep a distance from the BGK and just sort of "watch it".
I know others will tell you that they will need 100+ gallons to live for life, but after owning one for a while (a year), and witnessing their behavior daily, I can tell you they don't need as much space as most will lead you to believe.
Just my opinion, nothing more.
I have kept sevs with cories with never a problem. As for pictus it depends on the kind...regular spotted pictus are supposed to get to 10" but I've never seen one over 6" so you could try a few of those. Others like 4-line pictus will approach 1'.
Clown loaches would be fine. if you can't afford those, what about orange finned blue loaches, they get a nice size.
Red tailed rainbow sharks add a nice touch to a tank.
Have you considered gouramis at all? Not giant, just regular ones.
Red tailed rainbow sharks add a nice touch to a tank.
Have you considered gouramis at all? Not giant, just regular ones.
How about a Leopard Ctenopoma? I have one in my tank and he is awesome and keeps to himself! Very peaceful but will defend himself if attacked.
Gouramis could work..mine however did not do so well with the sev. Battles and then died..from moment they met
