Keyhole cichlids + corydoras or zebra loaches

[iwasherre]

Building a brand new 40 gallon 3.3ft long tank over here. Sand substrate with caves made out of sandstone, piece of driftwood and some plants here and there. Generally speaking a barren looking world reminiscent of River Nile. Initial idea was 2 Keyhole Cichlids and 8-10 Panda corydoras, all young age. Their appearance is so strikingly similar I felt like I had to set them up. However, everyone's aware what happens when cichlids breed. On top of that I did some research and found out they would also bully coryfdoras during feeding time, this of course depends on the character of particular Keyhole. Nevertheless, upon getting my keyholes 1 thing is unclear, whether they're m/f m/m or f/f. It'll definitely shift the theme of my tank the moment I discover their gender. Worst case scenario would be them nipping at each other since they're suppose to be the centerpiece of this aquarium.

I was thinking a good alternative to corydoras would be 5-6 zebra loaches. They're somewhat larger and more agile, a fish that can hold its own so to speak. And in case of this kind of scenario with 2 Keyholes and 5-6 zebra loaches the latter would be the least of my worries. I'd be more worried about Keyholes being overwhelmed by loaches.

Any kind of input is appreciated. Love to hear from keyhole owners and their experience.

 

[GaryE]

Keyholes were by far the most relaxed Cichlid parents I have ever had here. In a 40, if yours are like mine were, they would never bother a Cory. Mine spawned with Corys around in a 3 foot 30 gallon, and all was well.

Loaches are jittery, annoying tankmats for a calm fish like a keyhole.

 

[iwasherre]

Keyholes were by far the most relaxed Cichlid parents I have ever had here. In a 40, if yours are like mine were, they would never bother a Cory. Mine spawned with Corys around in a 3 foot 30 gallon, and all was well.

Loaches are jittery, annoying tankmats for a calm fish like a keyhole.

I thought the same about loaches, but wasn't quite sure cause I have no experience. I do prefer serene tank and if someone's hustling over there it would bother me a lot I don't want to lose my sleep over it. I'll just go with corys, what do you think is the lucky number for this tank 6-12?

 

[DoubleDutch]

Corys won't bee a problem but in a 40G I'd take some bigger ones. C.metae for instance

 

[GaryE]

I don't like loaches in a tank. I have to confess that - I am like a keyhole Cichlid in that I find their energy levels unpleasant to watch. Full disclosure!

Plus a wild keyhole will meet up with a wild Corydoras. I like, as much as practical, to keep fish from the same bio-regions together. @DoubleDutch has a good idea there, as usual. I would also seek out a larger Cory. C metae, arcuatus - I don't know what species are readily available in Lithuania. I have a group of panda here and they're lovely little fish, but I also have larger Cory species that are just as peaceful but more visually striking, and better at handling traffic.

My keyholes were so relaxed they are the only Cichlids I ever bred that forgot to guard their eggs. They would be model parents for 23 hours and 50 minutes a day, but they always seemed to like to take short swims around the tank, leaving eggs and later fry or larvae unattended, and on the dinner menu for other fish. They alweays appeared confused when they came home and discovered the losses. No Keyhole will ever win the Nobel Prize for literature.

 

[iwasherre]

I like the idea of C. metae makes a lot of sense. Now that I'm thinking about it I'll actually get them instead of Panda. @GaryE getting corys shouldn't be much of a hassle I think, there's a good handful of stores in my area. I might not get lucky enough to find already established pair of Keyholes though. I guess there's no way to tell apart male from female when they're still young?