Pairing Cichlids

[joshjames]

do all cichlids such as rams and keyholes need to be kept in a breeding pair or can they be kept on there own
i no that i can get a blue acara and it will be fine on its own so is it the same with these smaller ones

 

[kribensis12]

What size tank? Cichlids do best in pairs. Being kept individuals can be detremental to tehir health. Its like you being on earth without anyother humans,. You wouldnt like that, would you ( unless your a hermit).

 

[shroob]

I don't think its detrimental, sure they would probably like a mate but it won't harm their health if they don't have one. Also just to make sure if someone who reads this doesn't know a pair means two mated fish, not just 2 random fish (which can be bad if you get 2 males, as they are likely to fight).

There's plenty of people who keep cichlids on their own, normally as 'wet pets' meaning larger more personably fish such as ocars or red devils (partly to do with tank space and aggression).

I would put tankmates in with them, just to provide added stimulus but you don't have to keep them in mated pairs.

 

[Davo86]

IMO Dwarf Species like Rams, Keyholes and Apistos shouldn't be kept alone
But Larger species should be unless the purpose is to breed them Or you have the space to keep a small group.