What To Do With My Ellioti

[rob_cool1]

Hello
I have been on holiday for a couple of weeks and left my fish in charge of my auntie and uncle to look after.
I told them to feed them a small amount every 2 days but i think they have given them quite a bit as my male Ellioti (who is extremely greedy anyway) passed away. i have been told it was from over feeding, so now i only have the female left.
They were a couple and frequently layed eggs, im not sure what to do, shall i get another male and hope that they get along or shall i take the female to my lfs and get something else like angel fish or another peaceful Cichlid.

Its a shame as they were so good together, always swimming side by side and were both very good parents

Can they be kept on their own or best in a pair?
Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Rob

 

[minnnt]

They're quite happy as a singleton. Introducing another won't help what so ever. I doubt she would accept it.

 

[rob_cool1]

Thank you, whats the average lifespan of an Ellioti? she is only 2" so im guessing quite a while yet lol

 

[minnnt]

Really? Blimey. You have a while to go yet mate. You're looking at somewhere around the 7-10 years mark I would expect. Usually the bigger the fish the longer the life span.

I didn't realise she was so small. You should be able to add another then but I doubt at that size you would be able to sex them in the shop.

Remove the one you have for a few hours then rescape the tank and add the new one. Once he's been in for half an hour or longer then return your current one to the tank. Ensure you're there though once you have added them as you may have to remove one if things go badly.

Good luck mate.