So. American Cichlids Suggestions Cont'd

"Steve" wrote in
t:

I am going with some So. American Cichlids and have narrowed it down
to 3 different species

Gold Severum
Green Severum
Blue Acara
Geophagus

I would like to some input from the group as to if this would be a
good match, i.e. get along reasonably well, offer some variety, need
similar chemistry.

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.

Ideally I would like to end up with a pair of each in addition to a 4"
pleco and a 3" red-tailed shark (if he ends up being a problem with
the juveniles, he goes). Some concerns/questions:

Do I need a dither fish? I have 6 tiger barbs I could use, would they
work?

The best dither choice for a South American tank is silver dollars (tiger
barbs are Asian). They are big and dumb, but do a good job distracting
the more aggressive fish.

Rather than have 2 of the 4 species be a Severum would there be a
better choice?

Given the potential size, are 4 pairs too much?

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.

Would a Geophagus be happy alone to reduce the total quantity?

It is not generally realized, but most eartheaters prefer to be in
groups. On the other hand, I have kept single eartheaters and they seem
to do okay by themselves.

I would like to hear the voice of experience, thoughts are
appreciated.

About 2-3 weeks ago I posted the message below which gives you the
background information needed.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I have a 55 gal well established tank the needs repopulating. I have
had angels for many years and they are starting to go (old age I
think). I have standard gravel with a undergravel filter and the pH
is consistently between 6.3 and 6.5. Rather than get more angles I
was thinking of going with fish with more of a personality.
Non-angel and non-discus Cichlids came to mind. I don't want to turn
the tank upside down by changing the gravel for crushed coral to get
the hard water so African cichlids are out.

Here is my question: What types of So American cichlids would work
under those conditions. Ideally I would like to have 3 varieties that
can coexist given enough structure. I plan on getting them young, how
many of each should I get? Would I need to cull them out for a pair
of each type or would 3 or 4 of a type work?

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.

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.

Steve

"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