Dwarf Chichlids

[Thomas 2507]

Okay, so I would like to set up a dwarf chichlid tank. I have an 80L and have decided that I like the following species:

- Apistos
- Cockatoos
- Rams
- Otos
- Kribs

Mabe angels. I would love a discus but I know they're expensive and my tank is too small.

iI would like at least one easy breeding pair that will look after their eggs and fry.

Advice? Any other species I should consider? Tips? Information? Just anything to help. Thanks.

 

[Gremily]

Firstly, Otos are not cichlids, they are a genus of Siluriformes (catfish).

Cockatoos (Apistogramma cacatuoides) are Apistos and are really nice fish you could go for a trio (1m 2f) in your tank. Males try to display to the females and looks pretty cool. Other Apistos could be kept the same but cacatuoides are the most common (and there a few colour varieties around). They like soft water low and pH, I feed mine a variety of frozen foods but I'm sure they'll take decent quality flakes/pellets.
Haven't kept rams but I think their needs would be similar.

I would also definitely say your tank would be too small for discus and angels but other species you could look at are ones form the genus Laetacara and also checkerboard cichlids (Dicrossus sp. - males look really nice) but these may be more difficult to find in local shops.

Hope that helps!

 

[Thomas 2507]

Thanks! So would a male cockatoo breed with both females? I thought a male and female paired up.

 

[celaeno]

if you choose to get a pair of m/f kribs, then you shouldn't have any other fish with them, as they will be attacked by the breeding pair.

 

[LolaLouie]

That sounds a lot for an 80L? I have a similar stock and mine is 200L.

Anyway just thought i'd let ya know that with the same fish as you want i have so far had no problems, no aggression and all is well... but all my fish are still juvies so are yet to breed... I guess that's when the trouble will start but we'll see

 

[Thomas 2507]

Thanks guys. So far I think my favourite are cockatoos, rams and kribs. Which are easiest to breed?

 

[Matt_northants]

As long as the cockatoos and rams have good quality soft water and a good varied diet they are pretty easy IMO all dwarf cichlids make great parents.
Not sure on the kribs though as I am more of South American man! LOL

 

[Thomas 2507]

Cool. Thanks for all the information. I do prefer cockatoos and rams but kribs seem much more easy...