Hello all, so I have a 55 gallon tank with 2 angel fish and a Senegal bichir. The two angels are a little smaller then my palm right now. When I got them they always swam around together and were inseparable. Now that I’ve moved them from my 29 gallon to the 55 they are much more territorial it seems. They chase eachother a lot when they see eachother. I don’t think they are doing any damage right now that I can see, but I can only imagine it’ll get worse when they get bigger. Should I separate them or do you think they will be okay?
Should I be worried?
- Thread starter Jerith1842
- Start date
The general rule for most Cichlid species is to start off with atleast 4. Although small Cichlids will compete for food and territory and one will become dominant. In a group the aggression would be spread. Also 2 may pair up from the group and dominate the remaining 2 of the group of 4. So then most would remove or rehome the 2 from the pair. If possible try adding a couple more at the same size. If you keep the 2 there will be drama all day. Add plants to break line of sight but this may not work.
Do you think that if I did 2 more angels would I be overstocked? 4 angelfish and one Senegal bichir? I only have an aqueon 90 on there right now, but I have a large sponge filter on the way as well.
I agree with this, getting more similar size angels may be a better scenario.
I usually like to start with 6 or 8 juvie cichlids to spread aggression out.
With only two, you only have a 50/50 chance they will tolerate each other, or not, and in your case, a lack of tolerance seems to be the tendency.