Compatability

[edinjapan]

I've finally got a pair of Steatochromis casuarius and 1 odd male. At least that problem will be soon solved as there is a school of small fry following mom around.

I'm thinking of moving them to the big tank that currently has livebearers in it. After remodelling the tank I'd like to add the Buffaloheads, a pair of P pulcher and possibly a pair of Thorachromis brauschi, Benitochromis nigrodorsalis and a few small plecos. Would this work in a 150 x 60 x 45cm tank?

 

[tjudy]

Those are a lot of cool fish, but I think that you are heading for some problems with the Thoracochromis brauschi and Benitochromis nigrodorsalis. Both are larger, meaner cichlids that may not tolerate the presence of the more peaceful fish in the tank. Liveberers make good tank mates for most west african cichilds, unless the water is extremely soft (which the Pelvicachromis and Benitochromis like). Steatochranus are not very predaceous, so they may not go after livebearers too aggressively. The Benitochromis get large enough to see a platy as a potential meal, and I suspect Thoracochromis would too.

 

[freshwaterfishfan]

I've got Thoracochromis brauschi in several tanks and they never seem to bother other fish but beat the hell out of each other.
Steve

 

[tjudy]

Steve has a lot more experience with T. brauschi than I do. Mine were brutal with each other, but I did not attempt to keep them with other fish. So I am made a bit of an assumption.

 

[edinjapan]

Currently the S casuarious are sharing a 90 x 45 x 45cm tank with a pair of P pulcher. Some Java Medaka, Mekong Medaka and Limia perugie are in there to act as dithers and the cichlids mostly seem to leave the each other alone, only taking the occasional swipe at each despite both pairs having fry. I'd like to move the adults into the big tank over the summer and add some suitable tankmates.

What would you recommend?