What to mix with bluegill

[atizzil]

I had a 125 gal with 5 bluegil and a common pleco. I posted earlier today that 4 died. I was wondering if anyone mixes natives with other fish. The bluegill is only 5-6 in and only has one eye so its not too aggressive. I plan on building a DIY 1000 gal in a year and a half when i get a house so this could be used as a growout. I was most interested in clown knife, silver aerowana, and oscars.

 

[MinnowMagnet]

how about a bullhead and maybe some green sunfish or pumpkinseeds

 

[atizzil]

I knew all those would work, i was wondering if there were anything else. I'm thinking it is a no, but i was wondering if anyone else has tried.

 

[Thalan]

I've seen some people mix them with comparable sized cichlids. Though I doubt the high temps necessary are really a good idea long term.

 

[Jridge716]

I have seen people mix bluegill, Green sunfish and pumpkinseeds etc. with S.A cichlids. It is a risk due to the territorial and aggressive nature of both sunfish and cichlids. If you want a semi peaceful setup, I would stay away from the Green Sunfish, they are far more aggressive and territorial than most of the meanest cichlids. Bluegills can be a bit territorial also. Temperature wont be a factor, sunfish are warmwater temperate climate fishes (unlike salmon, trout etc.) , they can tolerate temps from 40 degrees to 80 just fine as long as they are acclimated slowly of course.So pretty much go in with the mindset of cichlid keeping, plenty of hiding places, move around the decor when introducing new fish, etc. There is no real exact science, but I have seen it done many times. Good luck.

 

[atizzil]

Thanks everyone for all the imput. What do you all think about my current bluegill and common pleco, 2 oscars, and something else that will catch my eye at the lfs (after research and coming back of course)