Dwarf Cichlid For Community Tank?

[pglenn]

i had this posted in "african" section but decided to also post here as i believe more dwarfs are prevelant in south/central america?

I am looking for a dwarf cichlid that would be compatible in a community tank. I currently have a 29g planted, with plenty of faux roots and branches, a small plastic cave/rock, a couple small "real" rock, sand bottom. current inhabitants are 12 or so (very soon many more) guppys (3 or 4 adult, rest several weeks old), 3 adult and 1 baby florida flagfish, a red-tail shark, and a cory cat. I'd like the cichlid for fry control. I had an angel upto a few weeks ago but it was finally getting too big for tank (had it since small baby, for near 2years). the cichlid would need to be small (3" or under), obviously aggressive to the fry but not to the adults. and able to hold his own against the red-tail shark, who bothers EVERY new inhabitant incessantly for first couple weeks (he DESTROYED 2 of 3 small tetras in under 30minutes). after the "initiation" the red-tail luckily only does the occasional feint chasing of the others.

(and yes, i know the red-tail is also at the limit of size for my tank. but he is so cool, and was an impulse purchase. but please please dont comment on that... only if he affects compatibility with the cichlid...please)

Patrick

 

[Matt_northants]

The problem is most of the dwarf cichlids, ie apistos, are bottom dwellers as is the red tail. IMO I think you might be better with one of small doradids. I use a Platydoras armatulus to control the fry numbers in my N. Brichardi tank, and those are REALLY aggressive so-and-sos.

 

[pglenn]

The problem is most of the dwarf cichlids, ie apistos, are bottom dwellers as is the red tail. IMO I think you might be better with one of small doradids. I use a Platydoras armatulus to control the fry numbers in my N. Brichardi tank, and those are REALLY aggressive so-and-sos.

EEEK!!! The dreaded Raphael cat. I had one in the past in another 29g and it was very bad. grew too big and was too agressive, when it actually did come out of hiding. with size of 6" to 8", would be too big despite its attitude

the red-tail in my tank actually hangs out everywhere (all over the roots/logs, all in the plants) and not so much the bottom, so another bottom-feeder wouldnt be a problem. an apistogramma was actually suggested elsewhere, but so many types/species to choose from???

 

[pglenn]

been doing a bit of searching and researching... spotted some discussion on cockatoo dwarfs.... they look real nice and no bigger than 3.5" and opinion seems to be they are safe for community tanks. would those work in my tank? and would readily eat any/all fry?

Patrick

 

[Matt_northants]

The problem is not with Apistos, they are great in community tanks, its your Red Tail, the larger they get the more aggressive they get. How large is it at the moment?

 

[pglenn]

The problem is not with Apistos, they are great in community tanks, its your Red Tail, the larger they get the more aggressive they get. How large is it at the moment?

it looks to be about 3" at the moment

Patrick

 

[Matt_northants]

He's still a baby! I take it we are talking about Epalzeorhynchus bicolor? They grow to about 6 inches and like I said earlier get more aggressive with age. I take it your tank is 2.5 feet long? If so I wouldn't risk it especially due to the cost of Apistos. What is the hardness and pH of your water? If both are high you could try Altolamprologus calvus or A. Compressicep, specialist fry eaters from Lake Tanganyika, which by RF cichlid standards are pretty peaceful, unless your a fry LOL! If you tank was larger you could look at Dwarf Pike Cichlids.

 

[pglenn]

He's still a baby! I take it we are talking about Epalzeorhynchus bicolor? They grow to about 6 inches and like I said earlier get more aggressive with age. I take it your tank is 2.5 feet long? If so I wouldn't risk it especially due to the cost of Apistos. What is the hardness and pH of your water? If both are high you could try Altolamprologus calvus or A. Compressicep, specialist fry eaters from Lake Tanganyika, which by RF cichlid standards are pretty peaceful, unless your a fry LOL! If you tank was larger you could look at Dwarf Pike Cichlids.

nice looking fish, both, but at 4-6" bigger than what i want

 

[Matt_northants]

I think you have two choices, remove the red tail and get apistos or let nature take its course and take any excess fish that survive to your LFS.

 

[meguro]

Couldn't you get a non-cichlid to eat fry? Would any of betta, gourami or panchax/killifish be a decent alternative?