"Steve" wrote in
et:

Eartheaters (Geophagus, Satanoperca, Gymnogeophagus, etc.) come in
many sizes and temperaments. Would really need to know which
eartheater you are considering. But with all these fish, temperament
and compatibility vary among individuals. I would say your proposal
stands a reasonable chance of success, however. Personally, however,
with your water chemistry, I would go with apistogramma, Rams, etc.
55 gallon tanks are odd shaped tanks, being so narrow. They are
really better for small or slow moving fish. Severums and some
species of eartheaters will eventually outgrow them.

I plan on getting Geophagus jurupari. I believe they generally have a
good disposition.

The current name is Satanoperca jurupari. These can get fairly large,
sometimes up to 25 centimeters. They are quite peaceful for cichlids,
but on the other hand, really cannot defend themselves against a
determined aggressor. I would worry that three large pairs of Severums,
in a tank that size, would eventually spell doom for the eartheater.
Once had a Gymnogeophagus balzani in a six-foot tank with two pairs of
Severums. Unfortunately, both pairs got to breeding at the same time and
each took over half the tank which left no room for the balzani. The
poor fish got bounced back and forth like a ping pong ball and eventually
expired from exhaustion.


Yes. There is not much bottom area in a 55 gallon tank. There would
not be enough room for four pairs to set up territories.

I agree, I am going with 3 pairs.

I would like to thank you and NetMax for great input. It's people
like you that keep these groups alive.

Your welcome. Another fish you might consider is the keyhole cichlid.
These are very peaceful, have lots of personality, would go well in your
water conditions, and are smaller than the other fish you are planning
on, you so will not be seen as much of a threat. I currently have one in
my six-foot South American cichlid tank with much bigger fish, and he is
doing great.

Steve