Crenicichla Compressiceps Tank Mate

[HookedOnFish_MI]

I have a 30 gallon aquarium (36” x 12” x 16”) with 1 Crenicichla Compressiceps (just under 2”) and 10 Serpae Tetra. I am wondering if there are any suggestions for 1 additional centerpiece type fish that I can add to this setup. I understand additional dwarf pike are out of the question. Will any species of Apistogramma work? I’m open to any suggestions. I also have plenty more anubias from my other aquariums that I can add if necessary.

 

[Mike Wise]

IMHO, I wouldn't put any other bottom-dwell fish (especially a cichlid) in this tank. C. compressiceps has a reputation of being rather aggressive and territorial. I doubt that any fish would be accepted in its territory - the entire tank.

 

[MacZ]

IMHO, I wouldn't put any other bottom-dwell fish (especially a cichlid) in this tank. C. compressiceps has a reputation of being rather aggressive and territorial. I doubt that any fish would be accepted in its territory - the entire tank.

I concurr. I was thinking of getting one of these last year. The store employee begged me not to. They had to remove all other fish besides the Crenicichla from the sales tank. They killed the tetras (Hasemania sp.) and bit off the caudal and dorsal fins of Corydoras in the tank. I'd also leave it as it is.

 

[HookedOnFish_MI]

Thank you both for the replies. I’ve been seeing very mixed messages on these fish. However, from those who have had experience keeping them, I see more accounts like this:

Crenicichla compressiceps tankmates ?

I am curious if you can keep Crenicichla compressiceps with any Apistogramma species as tank mates ? The aquarium will be a standard 55 gallon tank . The tank will have live plants and a few pieces of medium drift wood ....

www.apistogramma.com

 

[anewbie]

Are they pair forming? If so perhaps a mate ?

 

[HookedOnFish_MI]

I’ve read they’re most aggressive towards conspecifics.

 

[MacZ]

Thank you both for the replies. I’ve been seeing very mixed messages on these fish. However, from those who have had experience keeping them, I see more accounts like this:

Crenicichla compressiceps tankmates ?

I am curious if you can keep Crenicichla compressiceps with any Apistogramma species as tank mates ? The aquarium will be a standard 55 gallon tank . The tank will have live plants and a few pieces of medium drift wood ....

www.apistogramma.com

Just as a thought: You are aware that the description hints to a tank much bigger than yours? In big tanks obviously many things will work, that will not in a small one, especially with dwarf cichlids. My point and that of Mike is: Small tanks do not offer the space necessary.

 

[HookedOnFish_MI]

Just as a thought: You are aware that the description hints to a tank much bigger than yours? In big tanks obviously many things will work, that will not in a small one, especially with dwarf cichlids. My point and that of Mike is: Small tanks do not offer the space necessary.

Oh of course…the 10 Discus and hundreds of shrimp were the dead giveaway. My point was that I’ve seen very different experiences with these fish, with that just being one example. Totally understand tank size makes all the difference.