tank mate for flowerhorn

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2songbirds

2songbirds

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jan 31, 2009
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Hi there, my first time posting on here, although I've been lurking for several months.

Anywho, I have an absolute gorgeous female flowerhorn, probably 4 inches long. I had her in my 125g with 2 10" pacus, 1 8" oscar, and a 10-12 inch long Ashara catfish. She didn't bother anyone except the oscar which she beat the crap out of, so bad his meat was hanging out. (he DID survive after much tlc in the ICU tank). I recently decided to redo the 125g. I gave away both pacus, and got 12 little sharks (4 irridescent, 4 balas/tricolor and 4 rainbow/red tail) and also a large algae eater. Well, my FH was eyeballing up the sharks so I kicked her out into a temp tank, and put the oscar back in the 125g (he's not aggressive unless provocked then he'll stand his ground)

I just got her her own 54g corner bow front tank. She's absolutely stunning in it!! Green gravel, no background yet, live plants.

What can I try with her? I don't want something aggressive as if it doesn't work out I can put the newer fish in the 125g. Can I try bottom feeders? Maybe some kind of tetras? Anybody have luck on keeping FH with other fish? I"ve been doing much research on FH, altho I've had her for several months, and I know she's best kept alone. The tank just looks so empty.

Thanks
 
I would just keep the 54 with the FH solo for now. If you decide to try to breed her, that tank may be minimally sufficient if you can figure out how to divide it up.

As an aside, you do know that the iridescent sharks will easily reach 18"+ in your tank and a bit over that at maturity, right?
 
oh yes. I used to have all of those sharks years ago. I loved watching them grow, and liked them even better when they were big (over 10") I know however that odds are against me that not all of them will survive. I just remembered that I lost 2 red tail sharks. Not sure why, as the tank is well mature (hasn't been broked down for over 4 years). I have 2 of the biggest aquaclear filters on it, and a UV light sterilizer which does an awesome job....the tank gets a LOT of sunlight, therefore a TON of free floating algae.

I was actually thinking of getting the FH a BP ???
 
thank you for your response. And oh yes, I've had all 3 types of sharks years ago. I love watching them grow, like them even better when they are bigger (10"+). I just remembered that I did lose 2 red tailed sharks. I've always had trouble keeping them little buggers. My hubby loves them tho.

As for the FH, I was thinking of getting her a BP as a tankmate. I'm not too concerned right now about breeding, just getting her a lil' friend.
 
IME FH only do well with tankmates if it is a large enough tank unless they are breeding.. A 54 gallon is not really sufficient for a full grown FH by itself... You should keep it alone unless you want more dead fish.
 
In my experience the only fish you can keep with a FH is something larger, meaner but not as aggressive, and or faster.

You could consider a male but that probably won't work.. Maybe, maybe a Pike cichlid.

I have one in with my Midas and the Pike is to fast for the Midas to catch. I also had to put my Redtailed Black shark in with him too because the shark is so mean.
 
If it's a female, the 54 might be alright for it. People have had success with BPs and FHs, and this would work as a friendly thing I suppose. However, you should not expect babies as most male BPs are infertile- this doesn't seem to be a concern though.
 
So, if I were to try a BP, what size should I get...smaller, same, or bigger that the FH? Should I look for a passive BP, one that doesn't bully the other tankmates in the fish store?

I"ve had BP in the past, really nice fish. Were not aggressive at all. Altho, that was yrs ago
 
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