Smaller Geophagus Tankmates

[japes]

Hey guys.

Looking to fill out the rest of my new tank with a species of Geophagus. I'm currently looking at Orange Head Tapajos or Rio Pindare, as I'd consider myself close to stocking limit if I were to opt for the larger Geophagus that grow to over 10".

48x24x28 130Gal. Current residents, all bordering/under 3" currently.

- 2x Green Severum
- 1x Blue Acara
- 1x Chocolate Cichlid

Just curious to know whether the smaller Geo's will face any real aggression problems and your experience keeping them. I would rate my Blue Acara as very docile, it's the larger Green Severum that I'd be worried about but I think as he matures he'll settle down.

 

[dexman1349]

I've got a gymnogeophagus meridinalis (sp?). Very bright silver with a vertical black stripe through his eye. He only gets to about 5 inches max. Very docile though.

The Geo I do have is a surinamesis. I managed to find a LFS that had some wild caught ones that are simply amazing. The one I have is a 2.5" juvie that is platinum white with irodescent blue/gree/red horizontal stripes. I don't know how they handle agression as mine is still in the isolation tank. I beleive they will grow to the 6-8" range depending on sex.
Here's a link to more info (this specimen shows alot more gold than mine does, but it illustrates the striping patterns well):
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=467

A couple other SA ciclids that might fare well would be a Cryptoheros Spilirum or a Thorichthys Mixteco. Both get about 5-6" and seem to handle aggression fairly well (at least mine do). The mixteco is related to the firemouth, but I think has a much more subtle beauty to him. He's one of my personal favorites.

 

[pdbrady]

I have a 2" steindachneri in with similar fish as you have, and more aggressive. Some are a lot larger, some are only 1" larger. He seems to just go about his business and avoid the big guys. I don't see any issues with your setup.

 

[Gourami Swami]

It will be fine. Ive got a 4" steiney in with a 12" oscar, 8" sev, and 6" JD in a 100g.

 

[Bobears]

I have a juripari in with a similar set up. No real problems. Juripari only get about 6in or so in home aquariums.

 

[japes]

Thanks for the advice, looks like I'll be purchasing a shoal of 3 Rio Pindare.

Cheers.

 

[dexman1349]

Post pics when you do!!

 

[japes]

Post pics when you do!!

At least a few weeks off yet, picking up my new tank next weekend. Have to build stand, order additional filtration, new lighting etc.

Need that up and running beforehand, as I'm probably going to have them shipped.