Tank full of females = less aggression?

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Aqualoon

Aqualoon

Piranha
MFK Member
Jul 8, 2009
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Minnesota
Disclaimer: I am overstocking my tank as juvies and then thinning the stock as they grow out/up together, thus why my stock seems heavy.

My tank has very minimal aggression right now, as in having a nicked fin is difficult to find. There is little chasing and all fish have been growing and eating well. As they start to get around the 3.5" size I'm noticing that the majority of my fish are female, I have 1 confirmed male and 2 unknowns. Could my stock be working so well because the lack of males?

I know for African cichlids people go for an all male tank for aggression reasons, wondering if anyone had a similar experience for the New Worlds. Also, the 1 confirmed male is on the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to pecking order.

Current Stock
4.5" Gold Saum/Green Terror - Female
4" Gold Severum - Female
3.5" Nic - Female
4" Jack Dempsey - Female
3" Salvini - Female
4.5" Regani - Unknown
3.5" Carpintis Escondido - Unknown, shows female characteristics
2.5" Thorichthys aureum - Unknown
3" Gold Saum/Green Terror - Male
 
They're all in a 150g right now (6' tank).

The final stock will probably be 4 fish in my main tank (the 150g) and then I'll either keep the ones I pull from the main tank or sell them.
 
JML1997 said:
That's a nice size, but I believe its more that there just juveniles..
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Yeah but I was expecting a tad more aggression from juveniles even. I've had cichlids spawn at this size before and right now besides some short chases there is zero aggression. It's only by chance that I ended up with a heavy female tank.
 
I've had a predominantly female tank in the past and it was generally more peaceful than an all male tank of the same species. But aggression did increase a little once the females reached maturity. I think that a lot depends on the species, the size of the tank, and the number of tankmates. You have relatively small and young fish living in your 150. So that could have a lot to do with the aggression level in your tank too. Since some of your fish are at or near breeding size, you may see some more aggression. I hope it continues to be a peaceful tank for you. I like the stock. I wouldn't be surprised if the Regani and Carpintis begin to show more aggression. I've kept both and they were some pretty aggressive cichlids, the Regani more so.
 
Gruff Master said:
I've had a predominantly female tank in the past and it was generally more peaceful than an all male tank of the same species. But aggression did increase a little once the females reached maturity. I think that a lot depends on the species, the size of the tank, and the number of tankmates. You have relatively small and young fish living in your 150. So that could have a lot to do with the aggression level in your tank too. Since some of your fish are at or near breeding size, you may see some more aggression. I hope it continues to be a peaceful tank for you. I like the stock. I wouldn't be surprised if the Argentea and Carpintis begin to show more aggression. I've kept both and they were some pretty aggressive cichlids, the Argentea more so.
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I was actually debating between the Argentea and the Regani as both are beautiful fish. I was still between the two when on my local fish/cichlid forums someone posted some fry for sale of the Regani. I was a bit late in contacting the seller and he was all sold out by that time, however he did keep one for himself (he grew the Regani fry out to 2-2.5" and was selling them but kept what he thought was the best looking one for a potential breeder) and ended up selling that one to me.

I'm very lucky that I have an active aquarium club in my area, that's the main reason why I'm even trying the overstocking as juvies route because if I ever really need to move a fish fast (as in move it same day) I have a means to do so. Well that and I have many spare tanks :)
 
I'll have to edit my previous post. I don't know why I mentioned Argentea. I meant to say Regani. It sounds like you have good back up plans in case things turn bad. I would just enjoy it then. It could very well last a lot longer than you think. Good luck with it.
 
My tanks have always been almost all male, but the few females that I did have were always the ones doing the fighting. I had a female Escondido who was one of the most aggressive fish I've owned. I know it's a little different in your tank... I would bet the fact that they are still small is the primary reason, but all females might help... I'm not too sure. Good luck.
 
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