Redfin Pickerel-tank mates-compete hypothetical

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jandb

jandb

Piranha
MFK Member
Jan 18, 2009
947
174
76
Lewis Center, OH
Hello. I'm just curious on this one, don't have the fish or the tank but it's fun to dream! If one were to build a 4'x4'x10' plywood tank or have a similar footprint acrylic would there be any reason why a redfin pickerel couldn't be housed with cichlids of similar size and other SA fish? I'm thinking the tank would be dense with driftwood and boulders along with plants. Other fish I'm thinking would possibly be an arrowana, tenemesis cichla, maybe a tiger shovelnose, etc. What are your thoughts?
 
Ime the pickerel is not the problem, it's the cichlids. As long as the pickerel is not starving they generally target smaller prey so unless the fish are much smaller there shouldn't be a problem. They are lazy when it comes down to it. The cichlids on the other hand need to be peaceful or the they can harm or kill the pickerel. As ambush predators they won't appreciate constant harassment. Red fins stay pretty small too
 
Aro, peacock bass and shovelnose catfish will eat redfin pickerel since redfin pickerel don't get very big and their average size is 6-9".
 
Pickerel do best in a species specific tank. As Shenanigans stated that are ambush predators and will most likely starve to death. The other problem with housing with cichlids is they are fin nippers. Pickerel fins are in constant motion and it would be long until they are nipped to nothing. If you want a pickerel you can start them in a 20gl however before long you will need a bigger tank. Most people say a 55 is sufficient however i prefer the foot print of a 65.
 
OhioMFK said:
Pickerel do best in a species specific tank. As Shenanigans stated that are ambush predators and will most likely starve to death. The other problem with housing with cichlids is they are fin nippers. Pickerel fins are in constant motion and it would be long until they are nipped to nothing. If you want a pickerel you can start them in a 20gl however before long you will need a bigger tank. Most people say a 55 is sufficient however i prefer the foot print of a 65.
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A long 20gal is perfect for a single adult pickerel. Doesn't makes any sense to house a single inactive pickerel in a 55 or 65gal unless the pickerel is one of these freaky giants.
 
Wow a 20 long? That's pretty small but when it comes to.natives I trust your judgment MN, honestly might convert my 20 to cold for one so my gymno has a fool down area

Another thing that factors in to your plan would be tank temps, pickerel prefer cooler temps when the rest of your stock would be straight tropical



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BuffaloPolypteridae said:
Wow a 20 long? That's pretty small but when it comes to.natives I trust your judgment MN, honestly might convert my 20 to cold for one so my gymno has a fool down area

Another thing that factors in to your plan would be tank temps, pickerel prefer cooler temps when the rest of your stock would be straight tropical



Sent from my XT1080 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Click to expand...
It seems that some people thought that redfin/grass pickerel get huge up to 14" but in reality it's rare for them to surpassed 10" mark let alone a 14" one.
 
Wow i am surprised as well. I know pickerel rarely reach over 10 inches but I always thought just due to the nature of the fish they would require something bigger. I guess I have to find a new use for the 65 I was planning on using. He will just stay in 20gl. Thanks Rebel! Perhaps I'll use it for a chain.
 
I rescued my Salivini juvi from my Weeksi Bichir that decided to eat it. My salivini was so tame that it apparently won't defend itself. It eaven hid from the Aussy Rainbow fish tank that I re-homed it to.

I eventually nursed it back to health and is now 6" in a deep 65G with three Grass Pickerel a couple Albino Bichirs and a juvi Bowfin. These fish are in the extreme opposite water columns. Pickerels top, Bichirs, Bowfin and Salivini bottom.

The Salivini will come up from the bottom to just "mess" with the larger Pickerel regularly! Chichlids and Pickerel are ill advisable.
 
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