Will Firemouth tear up my live plants?

[AquaCrazy]

Ok, I'm re-posting this into this forum because I think it fits better here...just wasn't sure how to delete my other one though...

Just yesterday I purchased a Firemouth Cichlid (approx. 1") from my lfs, and I would like to put real plants in there with him.

I was planning on planting Marsilea hirsuta as a carpet in the foreground.

Do you think he would tear it all up?

 

[floridagar]

i have one he does like to go after the roots of the plants. Mine only does it when their is sand at the bottom of the tank no where else. but he wont tear apart the plants unless hes hungry IMO. Since that is what mine does

 

[AquaCrazy]

Oh ok, I'll have to keep him well fed then! I use an Eco Complete substrate in my tank. I'll just have to try it and see!

 

[Sab_Fan]

never had any trouble keeping FMs and plants ...

 

[Sarah88]

just depends on the individual fish, try it and see, i have had all kinds of cichlids with plants in the tank and never really had any problems other than the occasional uprooting, but i just have to replant it somewhere else not near any entrances to their caves and they are fine (this is not with FMs though but i would think its still the same in that it depends on the individual)

 

[NatashaAliza]

I agree, it really depends on the fish. My FM is good with plants but all my other cichlids love to rip everything out and drag it around like a trophy... I sware I think there proud of their accomplishment they like to show me when I walk by :] Thats why I just got fake ones.

I suggest test it out with some cheap plants and see how he does.

 

[AquaCrazy]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I am going to try it once my plants come in.