Stocking Ideas

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Feeder Fish
Oct 7, 2025
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Phoenix, AZ
Hey fellow fish keepers... I am new to the community, although I was a member 20 years ago while owning a Elogatus Piranha.

I am going to be setting up a 180 Gallon Tank 6 x 2 x 2 and I really have my eye on either a Zebrina Pike Cichlid or the Atabopu "Red" Cichlid. But Atabopu seems like they are hit and miss with that bright red color... is that depending on feeding them quality food or is that just a difference in male and female? Zebrina seem like they are next to impossible to find, unless its a seasonal thing.

Could anyone give some advice on if I buy 2 or 3 together while they are young and let them grow together, would they likely be okay, or would this likely be a mistake?

Also, the information I seem to research as far as tank parameters is few and far between and conflicting..... I've seen everything from 4 ph to 7.5 ph.

Any input would really be appreciated as I want to build my tank around one of these types of Pikes.

Thanks in advance
 
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Regarding the zebrina if you want a pair o would buy 4 and let them pair off naturally. 6x2x2 IMO is ideal for a pair, but if you have any like bodied fish the pike may go after it so I recommend you keep higher bodied fish with this species. From what I have read these crencichla are more mild in temper towards tankmates.
 
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