Cichlid Aggression

[LIflynn]

Hi everyone just got a new jack Dempsey to put in with my green terror. They are both the same size and when i threw them in they started to lip lock after they were done the green terror was more dominant will the green terror continue to beat on the Dempsey or is it all settled after this. If not is it possible to die down the aggression. They are both in a 55 gallon with 4 loaches and thats it when i put tiger barbs in they were eaten by the gt or destroyed so i put the rest in my 125 gallon uaru tank. any help is appreciated i dont want to lose my demspey.

 

[Confish]

i might be corrected but a Gt or JD on there own would be the most for a 55G tank maybe with dithers ect but not both together as there just to aggressive in that sized tank

 

[kaivalagi]

Can the GT and JD have the 125USG tank? How big are they?

Just from one interaction it's impossible to know what the future with bring with your cichlids, keep a close eye on them and hope for the best but and plan for the worst

 

[LIflynn]

I would say they are both 4 inches. they cant go in the 125 because i have too many uarus and angelfish to switch into the 55 gal and uarus can grow 10 inches easy themselves. I know both fish will get to be about 8 inches in size but im just hoping they both co exist i wouldn't add more fish then i already have.

I put a divider in the tank for the time being but i can see the gt still being aggressive. I figure if i give the dempsey enough time to adjust he will stick up for himself and both fish will be same aggression and avoid eachother knowing they are both big threats and maybe the gt will get use to sharing his tank.

 

[kaivalagi]

Mmmmmm, I'm no GT expert at all but from what advice I've seen around here they are big on territory and need a large tank considering thier size, you might get by with a 55 for a single specimen but with another cichlid in with it it might just be a bit too much trouble...I am sure the more knowledgable will arrive soon to give some more definitive advice

If you are stuck with a 55 for those 2 fish then all I can think of is adding more shelter in the tank for the fish to duck in and out of in defense and hide away to reduce the fighting...but it doesn't sound like a great situation to have

 

[LIflynn]

thank you, ill wait a couple days with the divider as i heard it will be more accommodating to introduce them that way and see how it goes wish me luck

 

[AstonN24vantage]

ouch! i would move around plants and rocks too

 

[LIflynn]

thanks ill have to try that too any other ideas?

 

[hamfist]

Just before you remove the divider, take the GT out and stick him in a bucket. Remove the divider and re-arrange the tank decor. Give the JD a couple of hours to settle in again, and then add the GT. That will be your best chance of success.
As kaivalagi said earlier in the thread though, it is best to hopefor the best and plan for the worst. Maybe if they just can't get on, the JD could go in the 125 ? Maybe an angelfish or two could go into the 55 ? The GT will almost certainly feel a lot less threatened by fish which are not as similar to himself. You will probably have already noticed that GT's and JD's are quite similar looking.

 

[the biffster]

putting a JD and a GT in the same
tank is just asking for trouble they will
always fight you will have to keep the divider in
the tank other wise re home one of the
fish as if the start fight properly
the will kill each other but that's only
my opinion and speaking from experience