Top Swimmers

[Trentos]

I just started a Cichlid tank and am needing some top swimming fish. They shouldn't grow too big (4" at max). I got 130gal tank with semi-aggresive cichlids in it. I heard that hatchets are good, but I was wondering if there is any other options out there.

Thanks ahead

(Dunno if this is in the right forum)

 

[Kajuki18]

What kind of cichlids?

 

[Trentos]

I got 3 electric yellow, 1 gold severum and 2 fire mouths

 

[fish_r_great]

I'd either take out the Labs or the Firemouth and severum since they're totally different and Severums get aggressive when they mature. Labs are African Mbuna and like hard water and a lower pH and Sevs and Firemouths are from south america and like a lower pH. Usually not a good mix. Hatchets would probably be killed since they're a pretty mellow fish.

 

[freddyk]

Severums and Labs are going to be ok with Hatchets and many other shoalers, but you'll want to watch out for the firemouths - they're a little unpredictable. Sometimes they get along well with shoaling non-cichlids, other times they will harass them. Basically it's going to be a bit of a risk either way. You could try jumbo danio's, dwarf Rainbows, or one of a number of different rasbora's. Something quick is best.

As it stands now, in a tank that big and with the species you've chosen, the mix will probably work out, but I hope you realize the behavioral and dietary differences between African Rift lake fish and New worlds when you start mixing them or you could end up with a disaster on your hands. Water parameters are usually more of a problem in theory then reality - both types of fish can handle typical neutral to slightly alkaline tap water.