Cichlids Vs Red Tails

[chipster55]

I have a 4-5 inch Red Tail Shark in one of my tanks (55 gal) I am in the process of moving tank to a new location. This was a community tank and I moved all the fish (sucessfully) to another tank at a different location. All I have left is the Red Tail and a Cory. I am going to convert tank to Chichlids. My question is how do Red Tail's and Chichid's
get along.. I would rather not get rid of RT since he has been with this tank since beginning and is so big. I sure would appreciate on advice from fishkeepers with this kind of experience...Thanks

 

[juanveldez]

your results will depend on the species of cichlid that you are looking at keeping

 

[chipster55]

I haven't really decided yet, leaning towards Oscar, Dempsy, or Discus..I have seen the mixing chart and it says caution when mixing these kinds..I was just wondering if anyone has this combo and how it works..

 

[juanveldez]

having had both JDs and oscars at one time or another, if I were going with either one of these fish I would only go with one of these species, besides that the 55 is too small to house a fully grown oscar, it may work with Discus but I belive that they are not a sutiable fish for someone just starting out with cichlids, as they are imo a very demanding fish to care for.

 

[chipster55]

I guess I didn't express myself well...I am only going to have 1 chichlid..Don't know which kind yet..thats what I am trying to determine with this post..

 

[juanveldez]

well then from the three species that you have listed the only choice for your tank really left imo is the JD, the Oscar will get too big for a 55, and besides the maintence demands from discus I also belive that they like to live in groups of which a 55 would again be too small to house them.

as for getting along with the RTBS, that depends on the fish its self. JDs can be very placid or they can be blood thirsty killers. you may have better luck in going with a female JD but there is no for sure way to tell.

 

[blue acara]

There are many other interesting and good looking american cichlids that are slightly smaller than JD's and Oscars and would work better in a 55 gallon. Have a look through the fish index. http/www.fishforums.net/category/42/Cich...South-American/

 

[chipster55]

OK Thanks alot for your input...Guess I'll just have to keep an eye on them...

 

[chipster55]

One more question...I would like to have just 1 chichlid that would do ok on its own while growing to a pretty good size yet still be comfortable in a 55 gal tank..Any suggestions??

 

[Tobigara]

Why not try a Blue JD? They're a bit smaller, less aggresive and absolutely stunning to look at. Plus they fit into a 55 quite well. They are, however, a bit costly but totally worth it.

Take a look at this link: http/animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/cich...JackDempsey.php

 

[juanveldez]

I advise aginst getting a EBJD, besides being more costly, they have a weaker immune system and as such need 2 things, a stress free life, and pristine water conditions. many people imo pour money into them just to watch them die.

 

[SG-1]

I have a red tail shark in a african cichlid community, Ive got auratus, zebra's, and all kinds of nasty african's, my red tail shark actually bullies the africans The sharks really do make good tankmates for africans, there's not many fish you can put in with africans but red tail sharks and leperinus are 2 that do really well.

 

[Gage]

i have a rainbow shark in with my central americans with no problems.