retic rays with cichlids

[voss345]

i was looking into buying a retic ray from a guy off this site, couple of questions, do they usually get along with ca cichlids? will prolly end up with snook in my 125 with some bn plecos
thanks robb

 

[filiportela]

no plecos or cichlids... at least not with my rays

 

[voss345]

anyone?

 

[najiru]

I haven't found any problems with plecos, as long as they are similar in size to the rays and are given the foods they require they shouldn't bother your rays. I would also avoid the large carnivourous species to be safe.

I don't know much about centrals but rays require very peaceful tankmates as they seem to be a fairly easy target for aggressive species (or even just curious ones!)

N

 

[voss345]

how big do retics get the plecos would prolly max out at about 8-9 "

 

[najiru]

how big do retics get the plecos would prolly max out at about 8-9 "

I think they reach around the 16" mark, I have 8-9" rays in with 6" L200 with no problems. There is always a risk though and I would keep a careful eye out for any suspicious marks/wounds on the rays.

 

[voss345]

do you think one wouild work out with a pair of rb snooks, not to agressive of a fish

 

[Nic]

snooks should be fine i wouldnt keep plecos though

 

[demetron]

plec is a ray skin shreder

a tasty little ritic mmmmmmm

 

[najiru]

There are reports of people having problems with rays and plecs however there are also many people who keep them together with no problems at all. Frank at www.freshwatersitngray.nl being a prime example of keeping the larger species of plecs successfully with rays. I beleive he has an 18" L25 with his rays along with some other species of plec.


I honestly believe this behaviour comes from plecs not being target fed the foods they require, leaving them hungry and ending up finding the rays slime coat as a food source. Also some species may be more prone to sucking on the rays' discs than others.

As long as the plec is well fed on the correct foods and is not cramped together with the rays I believe they can be successfully kept together.

In the end it's your decision to make.

N