Dwarf mix

[Dano]

I recently placed two pairs of Apistogramma in a moderately planted 55 gallon tank. (A. Cacatouides and A. Agassizi) Males about 2 in. females about 1 in. There are 6 three in. Clown Loaches and 6 three in. Black Longfin Tetras in the tank. Everyone appears to be fine so far. Is mixing the Caca and Agassizi pairs a bad thing?

 

[Mike Wise]

No, your community should be fine for now. Don't expect many fry in this tank and don't be surprised when the Clown Loaches take over any available apisto cave. BTW, although unlikely in your size tank, Clown Loaches do grow quite large - over 1'/30cm. I knew someone who kept them with large Central American predatory cichlids. When he threw in goldfish, the clowns would be there, swallowing the feeders whole. I wouldn't trust them with anything too small.

 

[Dano]

I was really looking to see what the common opinion was on mixing the various Apistogramma types. Will several pairs of different types live at reasonable peace. Will they tolerate the West African Dwarfs.

The Loaches I have are subject to being moved to my 75 or 150 where I have other Loach types. I am contemplating switching to all Dwarf Cichlids and got these to see how they do. Thank you for your response, Mike

 

[Dano]

Re mix

I pulled the pair of A. Cacatouides and A. Agassizi out of the 55 with the Clown Loaches and moved them to a much quieter 30 long. There is much plant cover and several ceramic bowls with holes in the bottoms for hide aways. The female Caca is somewhat belligerent to the female Agassizi. The male Caca which is 15% larger than the Male Agassizi has been chasing him around some what. I was leery about having the two different pairs together thinking there might be conflict.

Will this conflict stabilize or escalate? I would like it if they each occupied opposite ends of the tank. What is any one's opinion. Should I move one pair to another tank?

 

[chris1932]

Dano
What kind of loaches? Besides clowns

 

[Dano]

I have Botia Striata (Zebra Loaches) in the 30 gallon. They are just over two inches now and fat. The Cacatouides male will charge them when they get too close to his place.

 

[Dano]

pics

I am trying to add pics of my Apistogrammas and a Loach. Must I use a photo host? I can't post directly from my Windows Photo gallery as you can on most forums?