RTM growout tankmate question

[decoy50]

I've got six red tiger motas at 1in growing out in a 125gal - looking to eventually get a pair. I'm looking to add another growout species to spread aggression and make the tank look less empty. Taking all recommendations into consideration. Order will come from Cichlids of the Americas, so please stick to Dan's stocklist.

I'm leaning towards one of the following:
1. Vieja Fenstratus
2. Chuco Micropthalmus
3.Astotheros Robertsoni
4. Herichthys Carpinitis

Once a RTM pair forms, all other fish will be moved to another tank. My concern is growth rate - I don't want something that will outpace the RTM and make it tough for them to compete for food.

 

[IndyTexy]

I keep my RTM's with Tri-Macs. I havve a pair of each in a 150g. They are all between 3-6" . They have been togther for several months and seem to get along. I also have a several Silver Dollars and convicts with them to spread the aggession.

 

[mrrobxc]

chuco micropthalmus are biotope correct and i've seen them together. You will have to rehome them when the RTM's hit 3-4 inches since their aggression will pick up and Chuco will not be able to defend themselves against the more aggressive RTM unless they have a decent size advantage.

Good thing about the MIcropthalmus is that they are rare and people would be eager to buy up a few that are in the 3-4 inch range. And adult males are very nice which will give you an excuse to buy another tank just for them.

You can add cutteri/chetumalensis/spilirus as well as long as you add plenty of smaller hiding places. All would be biotope correct.

 

[mrrobxc]

The chuco i had grew at an average pace. They should keep up with the RTM's. Only issues is, regardless of species, the most aggressive eater will outpace them all. And in your case, that will likely be a Male RTM.

 

[mrrobxc]

One last thing. When you do get a pair of RTM's, keep a spare female or two in another tank in a community setting so if your male decides to "off" the female, you have a back up in place. Finding adult female RTM's is next to impossible and you don't want to be left with a lone male without a mate having a whole 125 to himself.

 

[decoy50]

Thanks for the ideas. I have a male vieja community so I could put a chuco or two in there eventually & I've liked chuco micro for some time now. Any idea if chucos grow slower than fenestratus?

Good thinking about the extra female RTM too.

 

[IndyTexy]

One last thing. When you do get a pair of RTM's, keep a spare female or two in another tank in a community setting so if your male decides to "off" the female, you have a back up in place. Finding adult female RTM's is next to impossible and you don't want to be left with a lone male without a mate having a whole 125 to himself.

True-- I had a trio now only a pair the larger of the females got bullied pretty good however the pair that are left seem for the moment to be compatitble

 

[mrrobxc]

Never kept fenestratus but i hear they are quite aggressive and get larger than Chuco M.

Personally, I'd go with the Chuco M. Most of the Fenestratus that you see are poor in color. Only the good ones show up in the pics. Most are drab unless they have a good blood line.

That being said, a quality blue with red head fenestratus is one of the most beautiful new world cichlids out there. Cant go wrong with either.

Dan at COA has good stock. I purchased from him before but his fish are on the smaller side from what I recall. Go with the Chuco's. You wont be dissapointed. I regret selling my pair.