Compatability

[Liz05]

I am getting a new, bigger tank for my birthday. I'd love to start a cichlid tank. What fish can be kept with cichlids, and how much room do cichlids need? I would really like to have some bumblebee gobies (brackish, though, I know) and a couple firebellied newts. What do you all have in your cichlid tanks?

 

[caz27]

As far as i know they should not be mixed as they are rather aggressive ...

Caz

 

[Squimps]

What fish can be kept with cichlids, and how much room do cichlids need?

This is a pretty open-ended question just because there are so many species to choose from. I strongly suggest you go to the library or bookstore and bring home a few books and read, read and read some more. Cichlids are very appealing because of their looks and behavior but because they have more complex social tendencies, they require a little more forethpught than the traditional tropical setup. If you're really intent on cichlids, "researching thoroughly before you buy" is my biggest recommendation. Although the answers that you get here may point you in specific directions, it's still no substitute for reading a few good books on the subject. I will give you one slight recommendation - In my experience, I have determined that some of the Central and South American species are a little easier to place in a community setup than the Africans. If you want a tank with almost all cichlid residents, then Africans are some of the most beautiful. If you want cichlids that are more easily mixed with other fish, then thats probably not the way to go.

I have a local shop that has a very nice selection of fish including some of the best looking cichlids I've seen. If I had not researched the different species and their habits before I walked into that store, I would have walked away with some gorgeous looking fish but would have brought home utter chaos to my tank! I hope I don't sound too gloomy but I think that's the best bit of advice I can give at this time. Good luck and let us know what species you begin to take interest in.

 

[-=DG=-]

Cichlids should be kept with cichlids who can take care of themselves.

 

[Squimps]

Cichlids should be kept with cichlids who can take care of themselves.

I'm guessing what you're saying is correct to some degree. If your statement means that the cichlid members of the tank should all be compatible with each other, then I agree 100%. If you're saying that cichlids should not be kept with other species, then I disagree entirely. I'm assuming you're talking about the cichlid/cichlid relationships?

 

[Pufferpack]

The only cichlid species I can think of that would work with Bumblebee Gobies would be the Krebensis. They are a small peaceful species that can do well in BW as well as FW and are very colorful.

 

[-=DG=-]

Cichlids should be kept with cichlids who can take care of themselves.

I'm guessing what you're saying is correct to some degree. If your statement means that the cichlid members of the tank should all be compatible with each other, then I agree 100%. If you're saying that cichlids should not be kept with other species, then I disagree entirely. I'm assuming you're talking about the cichlid/cichlid relationships?

I think (i didnt used to) that its ok to keep different species together. I had a malawi only, but now i've added a pair of jewels and a pair of convict because of their aggressive nature.