Pairs question

[Guapoteguy291]

Have a pair of Texas male cyano female carpintis in a 125 that are quite prolific. As they are technically hybrid fry they do not leave the premises. The cyano is a real stunner (I am into cyano for whatever reason never really jumped on the carpintis train) and he is the centerpiece of what I would consider a "wet pet" set up. My question is are cichlids best kept in pairs or alone? What are the pro/cons etc. is having a girlfriend good for him?

 

[Tyler_Wentworth_150]

Breeding will slow growth rate, aside from that would be damage from general breeding behavior. Otherwise I don't personally see much of a draw back, imo the behavior is enjoyable when they're not beating each other up.

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

I've been having this same internal dabate and have decided that pairs are preferable (for the fish and you) if they have a solid bond. If they fight, it can be stressful. Wet pets have perfect fine and are stress free - but you get the feeling the fish are missing something when kept by themselves

 

[MrsE88]

I think that depends on the cichlid.
My female was perfectly happy when it was just her. She didn't seem depressed or lacking. Maybe a little overly aggressive towards other non cichlid fish.

Now that she has a mate she is more laid back. Her aggression level is down when she isn't spawning. Her mate is too small to cause any damage to her. And she doesn't do much to him other then split a fin here or there if he's being pesky.