firemouth

[firemouth121]

what would i be able to keep with my firemouth in a 58 galon aquarium dimensions are 3x18x21

i would like to keep a pike but is this okay

feedback appreciated thanks

 

[freddyk]

While there is the possibility of a dwarf pike working out with the Firemouth I don't recommend it in a 3 foot tank. Better would be to get a few young firemouths from which a pair would form, that way instead of having two cichlids fighting over the tank you'd have them sharing it.

 

[firemouth121]

well if i didnt put a pike in the tank then what can i put with it

 

[freddyk]

I don't know, I'm not into randomly mixed new world cichlid tanks since it just isn't natural. If all you really want is a bunch of assorted cichlids a tank, sort of like a fish store tank, then you can do the FM and Pike, you'll just need to get other similar temperment and sized cichlids in there too so that there are no territories to squabble over and too many fish for any one to really get picked on. Cichlids are natural enemies, and even though there are tricks to mixing them, anyone keeping them should have an understanding of this. Unfortunately the fish store style tank eliminates most of their natural behavior too. I'd just give the tank to a pair of FM's because it would be a great home for them.

The truth is, anyone who doesn't care much about behavior and only wants lots of colorful fish mixed together should really be looking at Malawi cichlids. While New Worlds may survive in a mixed tank like this, Malawis will thrive (and their color is unbeatable).

 

[swampcat]

Firemouths will do well with some like size fish. Silver dollars do quite well with most cichlids, tank a little short, but could pull it off with three (minimum).

I have a firemouth in a 55 with a blue acara, 2 blue rams, two large angels, 2 festivums, 2 brislenose plecs (mating pair). All do quite well toghether.

I have had firemouths in the past with convicts, and an oscar.

Firemouths are generally, not very aggressive, and at the same time defend themselves quite well if they have too.