Apistogramma nijsseni in a 10 gallon?

[kidbookrev]

Hi,

I did a post a few days ago about breeding German blue rams in a 10 gallon tank. I've still been doing research, and I've come across a species that I really like the look of, even more so that blue rams. Apistogramma nijsseni, another dwarf cichlid. It seems like 10 gallons is a common size to keep a pair in, so if I can find them, I would like to try.
I do have a question: Are they plant friendly?

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences with these? Also, do they have a common name, or are they just referred to as A. nijsseni?

Thanks,
Isaac

 

[gingerbeer]

nijsenni are otherwise known as psycho cichlids (OK maybe not commonly but that is my name for them).

I have a pair and they will clear out full grown angels without worry. This is important as I reckon that it will either go really well if they are a very well bonded pair - or they will kill each other very quickly.

I would suggest there are better fish for your tank.

HTH

 

[apisto-nut]

I have found you can only keep them in larger tanks as they are very aggressive (nijsenni group)

 

[chris1932]

I would say that a 20 long or thirty standard with an almost impenetrable barrier of plants somewhere close to the middle of the tank would be good for a pair. Nijsseni is an angry apisto. I have never had a pair that one of the fish didnt have a chip on its shoulder. Even as juvies that are little mean bastards.

 

[kidbookrev]

Ok, sounds like not a good idea:biggrin:

Are there any other apistos (or other dwarf cichlids other than rams) that could be happy in a 10 gallon? I'm not ruling out the rams, but I want to see what my options are.

Thanks
Isaac

 

[Gillie]

If you like the Nijsseni types there is still Panduro and Inka/Baenschi both very nice fish and not really homicidal. I keep both species in 10 gallons decorated with a couple coconut caves a piece of driftwood with java moss with some watersprite floating at the top and both are pretty happy, but I will eventually move them into 20 longs.

 

[red]

We didn't have good luck with nijsseni in a 10g.. We have had luck with cockatoos in 10gs though.

Just my experience with them.