Cichlids For A Novice?

[Le Sorcier]

I'm in the process of setting up my new Juwel 180 and would love a pair of Cichlids.

I'm quite set on getting a pair of Cockatoo Cichlids but would I need two females to one male?

I would also like at least 1 Angelfish but believe you shouldn't mix Cichlids? Is this true?

I would hope to have Pentazona Barbs, Harlequin Rasboras, Corys and Chain Loaches as their tankmates?

Thanks

 

[tenohfive]

Depends on the cichlid. Thus far, you've got a pretty good list there.

Cockatoo cichlids are a type of apistogramma (apistogramma cacatuoides to be exact) and you can keep either a pair or a hareem (2 females to 1 male.) A trio of them with an angelfish and the mix you've got suggested up there looks ideal in all honesty.

 

[Le Sorcier]

Fantastic, the perfect answer for me.

I will go for two females and 1 male cockatoo and 1 angelfish?

Would you have any other suggestions to add to the community? A Gourami or two perhaps? Or any other Cichlids?

Thanks

 

[tenohfive]

Others might post suggestions for other cichlids, but I wouldn't personally - I think you'd be pushing it to add anything else - but I'm no expert, I'm sure a few others will post soon. As for other fish, you've got room to yes. As for what...a pair of pokerdot loaches are a good addition (botia kubotai) but decent numbers of the fish you posted above would make for a pretty good mix with a good couple of centre pieces.

There is another option, which is basically a cichlid tank (as opposed to a community tank with cichlids.)

I've got a 180, and whilst your options are very limited you could get away with a single blue acara, a cichlasoma sajica (recently reclassified, don't know the new name) and a thorichthys ellioti. A few catfish (I went for pim pictus) and a handful of ditherfish might be an option.

 

[mattbond]

personally id go for either a group of angels or a male + hareem of apistogramma cacatuoides,

i think angels do better in pairs or groups and if youve got a pair or more of angels then youre arising conflict with the apistos

maybe a trio of the cockatoos and then some keyholes or rams?

 

[gzylo]

nannacara anomala

 

[sswm]

apistos and angels have always worked fine for me...I have a pair of apistos and 4 angels in the same tank...the angels stay in the middle of the tank and the apistos on the bottom of the tank for the most part

 

[Le Sorcier]

apistos and angels have always worked fine for me...I have a pair of apistos and 4 angels in the same tank...the angels stay in the middle of the tank and the apistos on the bottom of the tank for the most part

That sounds promising

So far the plan is looking like....

1 male Cockatoo, 2 female Cockatoo, 1(?) Angelfish?, Pentazona Barbs, Harlequin Rasboras, Corys and Chain Loaches.

I would also like a plec if poss? and maybe another centrepiece fish or two?

suggestions welcome on all fronts

 

[tenohfive]

Personally I don't see the point of plecs as most of them hide away and never let themselves be seen. But a BN would be an option, or anything else thats cheap and stays small.

I'm gonna plug the botia kubotai again, as whilst they aren't your traditional centrepiece fish you will spend much more time watching them - my pair remind me more of dogs than fish, in that they've got so much more character than anything else. I can't really think of any other centrepiece fish - possibly a honey gourami, though I'm not sure if there'd be any issues with the angels (I'm sure someone on here can answer that question.)

 

[Le Sorcier]

Thanks, may go for a couple of those. Will they be ok with the Chain loach?

 

[bagu]

Thanks, may go for a couple of those. Will they be ok with the Chain loach?

should be, they are amazing little fishes!

 

[Le Sorcier]

They do look great, will definitely get some.