trying to minimize aggression between 4 fish in 2 tanks.

[Thalassa]

I have a convict pair and an acara pair, wondering what would be the most low aggression way to split them into 2 tanks. My male acara started beating my female after spawning.

option 1
2 males tank 1
2 females tank 2

option 2
male convict female acara tank 1
male acara female convict tank 2

I was thinking of mixing the species as most of the trouble happens when they spawn.


please let me know what you think

thanks

 

[Kristinn]

Option 3
Keep both pairs in the same (big enough) tank with a lot of hiding spots and line of sight breaks, plus some dithers.

That would be the most enjoyable option in my opinion.

 

[Deadeye]

You’d be best off keeping the pairs together. Any convict + acara scenario in less than 55 gallons is gonna end up with a really beat up acara. Get the acara pair some target fish during their pairing (some third wheel cichlid or better dithers). Having something else to defend the best from keeps them from turning on each other. If you think acaras beating on each other is bad, you don’t want to see what convicts can do.

 

[Gourami Swami]

Two males scenario, I guarantee you one kills the other, most likely the convict wins.
The two females would probably be OK, but that would leave the males together, which would be bad.
What size are these tanks
I find the best way to go about it when you have a male who is aggressive to mates, is to keep some extras of the species around. Say a couple extra males or females (same sex, not another pair), in the tank with the breeding pair. The pair will defend against the extras, strengthening their bond. This can be done with other cichlid species as the extras as long as they are similar. I have had pairs of cichlids which did well when kept with other fish, but had the male turn on female when they were left alone. Even in a large tank.
You will need at least a 75 gallon tank to do this with convicts or acaras imo. You should also provide hiding spots that the female can access but the male cannot. Easily done by punching holes in the bottom of a terra cotta or plastic flowerpot. If your tanks are smaller than 75, your best bet may be to just keep the solo male without trying to reintroduce a female.

 

[Thalassa]

Thanks, I think I will probably sell the acara pair, convicts though insane and psychopathic are my favorite