Thinking about parachromis grow out...questions

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Wharf

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Jan 19, 2018
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Pasadena
So really wanting to try a pair of the smaller parachromis species and thinking about getting a trio or three 3-5+ inch parachromis females with an assumed male up to 6 inches ( or the smalles that a male can be assumed by the vendor). This would be my first attempt keeping Parachromis. Do you think (generally speaking) I would have better success...or a somewhat smoother experience with Multifasciatus 'La Ceiba' or some 'Rio Blanco' RTMs> (difficulty wise). Does one species befit a beginner to Parachromis more than the other?

These are the two species that have caught my eye and I don't have the space to 'appropriatley' keep the larger species. I keep hearing RTMs often end up solo even with dividers, but I guess this is pretty much true of any Parachromis. This is an experience I want to take on; however, I want to make sure I am going to do it correct...to the best of my ability. I have had my eyes on these for a while, and its been eating at the back of my head for over 4-5 years now lol.
 
What is the size of the aquarium?
I have kept Parachromis multifasciatus as a trio (1 male and 2 females) in the past in aquariums 220g+.

In my experience it is doable provided you have a large enough tank / enough territories. Females are still a little rough with each other but rarely cause damage.

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Above two females, below the male
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6x2x2 I want to just end up with a bonded pair and then rehome the other female/non-dominant male. I am not going to keep anything with them...will see how the pleco goes for a bit ( never see him anyway but he's 8ish inches)...and will most likely take out the SD's I have in the tank atm. Don't want them shredded :) I don't believe a 6x2x2 can hold more than a pair from what I have read, but need to start off with enough Juvies to hopefully get a bonded or successful pair. I realize a divider is most likely in my future. Any preference which would be better to start? Multifasciatus? I love your male pics...stunning color on the fems too.
 
6x2x2 I want to just end up with a bonded pair and then rehome the other female/non-dominant male. I am not going to keep anything with them...will see how the pleco goes for a bit ( never see him anyway but he's 8ish inches)...and will most likely take out the SD's I have in the tank atm. Don't want them shredded :) I don't believe a 6x2x2 can hold more than a pair from what I have read, but need to start off with enough Juvies to hopefully get a bonded or successful pair. I realize a divider is most likely in my future. Any preference which would be better to start? Multifasciatus? I love your male pics...stunning color on the fems too.
In a 6x2x2 you could have a pair, I wouldn’t keep any more than that. I’d buy 6-10 juveniles (my personal preference is 10-12) then once you have your keeper pair I’d sell off the rest. This way allowing a pair to naturally bond reduces the chance of them turning on each other and is much easier than chucking a random male and female together.

It is a matter of preference on species. Personally id pick multifasciatus
 
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I have kept both species, and in that tank either would work as a pair.
I always try to start with half dozen or more young and allow them to grow out and choose partners . They usually whittle the group down quickly, with extreme prejudice.
With "la ceiba" I started with about 10 or 12 very young juvies from COA
With motaguensis found at an aquarium club auction, only got 6 older juvies, but a pair developed much quicker
 
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Which one would you start with from experience, the rtm or La Ceiba?
I have kept both species, and in that tank either would work as a pair.
I always try to start with half dozen or more young and allow them to grow out and choose partners . They usually whittle the group down quickly, with extreme prejudice.
With "la ceiba" I started with about 10 or 12 very young juvies from COA
With motaguensis found at an aquarium club auction, only got 6 older juvies, but a pair developed much quicker
 
Thanks!
 
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