Cichlids

[matt295]

have a 35 gallon tank. I am thinking about getting some cichlids. so far i have decided on getting a pair of convicts and a pair of firemouths maybe. is this all i should have or not? If it isnt do you guys have any suggestions because this site has the est people and info. dont worry, i am getting bottom dwellers so im not worried about them.

 

[idlefingers]

A pair of convicts in there would be fine, but when they breed, they'll become very aggressive to the firemouths. I think, with either one, if you want pairs, just go for one pair on their own.

 

[Nevergone815]

A pair of convicts in there would be fine, but when they breed, they'll become very aggressive to the firemouths. I think, with either one, if you want pairs, just go for one pair on their own.

I agree, convicts can become very aggressive. I've had multispecies breeding pairs in a tank that sized before, but they were all small and grew up with each other, so that made it easier. Needless to say, I broke them apart and separated males and females and eventually they either died (not from each other, but illness that snuck past my new fish quarantine period) or I rehomed them.

My recommendation is to go with a pair of firemouths. They grow to about the same size (a little bigger) are way less aggressive and you will have better chance of rehomeing FM fry than Con fry. Cons are VERY common and most people who breed them use them as feeders for their larger predators.

My vote a pair of FMs !

 

[matt295]

thanks, i will go with the firemouths. what could i put with the firemouths or should they be alone with a compule plecs?

 

[vancouver]

A pair of firemouths and a smaller species of pleco would probably work.

 

[ryguy]

vancuvor right 2 firemouts and mabye a bristlnose pleco would be good they tend to be much smaller than the common pleco where the bristlenose may only get 3 inches at most or at least thats the biggest one i have and its like 4 years old!

 

[Mystix212]

Firemouths are what I consider a wussy cichlid. Although I would just have the pair of FM's and a BN plec. You could probably sell your FM fry when they are 3-4 months old and make a bit 'o money.

 

[mark7616]

Firemouths are what I consider a wussy cichlid. Although I would just have the pair of FM's and a BN plec. You could probably sell your FM fry when they are 3-4 months old and make a bit 'o money.

Well you come to my house and tell my firemouth he is meant to be a wussy cichlid he is boss in my tank over a jd, oscar, red shoulder severum and basically anything else that gets in his way.

 

[cheesy feet]

Firemouths are what I consider a wussy cichlid. Although I would just have the pair of FM's and a BN plec. You could probably sell your FM fry when they are 3-4 months old and make a bit 'o money.

Well you come to my house and tell my firemouth he is meant to be a wussy cichlid he is boss in my tank over a jd, oscar, red shoulder severum and basically anything else that gets in his way.

Your cichlids are only small atm...

 

[Mystix212]

Wow wee. I spose they can be real bullies but in general they're a softer cichlid?

They have a smallish mouth for a cichlid I think.