7 replies to this topic

[Delapool]

Hi all, I was hoping to learn a bit very, very broadly on what types of cichlids can't be kept together.

I don't intend to mix cichlids so was just for general interest but I'm really keen to learn more. I was mainly thinking of African vs American and by diet (so really broad - guess who got low marks on cichlid quiz night!).

I see threads of people mixing cichlids saying eg they are tank bred and adjusted to local water or diet is from a one size suits all pellet. So just wondering. Thanks!

[Poncho]

To generalise (note there will be plenty of exceptions):

Tanganyikan cichlids are usually more demanding in terms of water parameters, more delicate, less forgiving and highly diverse so lots of species with particular decor needs - she'll beds, open sandy areas, sparse rocks or very rocky tank set ups. Not the best fish for communities except a tanganyikan community with fish from similar habitats.

Malawis are very adaptable but in a community situation you're main issue will be controlling aggression over territories. They hybridise readily so when breeding the species need to be selected with a bit of care.

Central Americans can either be big sulks or belligerent brutes that smash everything. if there's one big fish you might get away with it but if two pair up you're likely to see carnage.

South Americans are a bit more diverse. Apistos are deme ado g of water quality and parameters so only a few will go well outside of acidic soft water. Geos are placid fish and good for communities although you won't get the best out of them unless soft acid water is provided. Green,red terrors and other acaras are very adaptable but similar aggression levels as centrals. Discus and angels are best suited to communities with things like corys and tetras rather than other cichlids.

Hope that helps - put up a mix of species that you like when you figure it out and people can give you some opinions on whether it will work or not

[Cawdor]

My first large tank I bought second hand came with a variety of fish - Africans and Americans mixed together. I didn't have any issues but I would not do that sort of thing again.

 

General rules to avoid trouble and dead fish:

 

• stick to species that share the same habitat in the wild
• if you want to mix it up, make sure they are the same size
• avoid putting two or more known aggressive species together in a small tank

There are ways to handle aggression - one is to provide a clear territory for each group in a tank that is large enough so they can be out of each other's way. The other is overcrowding - doesn't always work. Any fish that is already weak will get smashed.

 

The number one rule is to observe any new setup and look for signs of trouble. Have a plan B if things don't work out.

[Rodders02]

Even a male and female of the same species won't work. My male jag killed his female ;(

[Ageofaquariums]

The above is true, but many people break the rules and get away with it. If you are going to "mix lakes" you really do need a plan B for if it doesnt work!

[Delapool]

Thanks everyone!

I was wondering if diet was still important to keep fish seperate or fish pellets can do one size for all nowadays?

[Ageofaquariums]

NLS 1mm cichlid pellet can be fed to pretty much every fish on the planet. You have to compromise if you have mixed species and different sizes. They are other options but the 1mm NLS is my suggestion. Good for fry to adult (unless lake cows) and perfect for predators or herbivores.

[bigjohnnofish]

very common sense answer to this... cichlids which wont mix are the ones that get eaten by bigger cichlids and the ones that get bashed and killed..... would have been a good idea not to mix these  

 

i have seen a display tank with all types of cichlids mixed and completely breaks any or all the rules.....  huge tank with males only and daily water changes and very well fed tank....