Cichlid Compatibility

[CubanCorona]

I think I may have made a bad decision this weekend…

I have a 110 gallon community tank. It has been populated for quite some time by a catfish, a pleco, a knife fish, a tinfoil barb and a 6†gold severum.

The severum is not overly aggressive, but during feeding he will chase away anyone who gets in his way.

This weekend, I bough a 2†oscar (I think he’s albino—he has red eyes) and a 1†peacock cichlid. They both seem to be doing well in the tank and aren’t bothering anyone.

I didn’t do my research before I purchased them, and now that I am reading up on them, I’m worried that I might have problems in the future.

Can anyone give me some advice here? Is there a possibility that they will grow up together and coexist peacefully? As I said before, everyone seems to be getting along fine right now.

Thanks!

 

[dthoffsett]

In the case of the peacock cichlid, unfortunately I have to say absolutely not. Peacocks are african cichlids and need different water conditions to thrive. Not to mention they are total pushovers and highly likely to get bullied by both the sevrum and the oscar. I would definately take the peacock back or setup an african tank. As for your other fish, I don't really know.

 

[CubanCorona]

In the case of the peacock cichlid, unfortunately I have to say absolutely not. Peacocks are african cichlids and need different water conditions to thrive.

Yeah, I keep the pH around 6.6, which I now know is much too low for the peacock. I have an extra 45 gallon tank that might make for a nice african cichlid community. Thanks for the advice, dt.

What about the oscar and the severum? Is there a possibility that they may be OK together?

 

[Lynden]

What is it's colour and shape? You may have purchased the Amazonian Cichla ocellaris, which can coexist with Oscars.

-Lynden

 

[vancouver]

severums and oscars can sometimes be ok together.. it was really hit or miss with mine..

I tried 3 severums in total, and only 1 was ok with my oscar.

 

[SamUK]

my oscar and sev grew up together (from about 4") and now the sevs the only one that doesnt look like food to my oscar.


he even tries to eat full grown silver dollars occasionally and hes only half grown himself lol.

 

[CubanCorona]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I think I'll keep the sev and the oscar together for now, and just keep a close eye on them.

Lynden, the peacock is about 1" long and shaped like a slender tiger barb. He is brown with vertical black stripes.