how many pairs of P. taeniatus in 450 liter tank

[sjonnie]

Hello there,

I few weeks before I have set up a West Africa tank witch measures 1.50 x 0.50. 050 meters. There are lots and lots of rocks and hiding places and its heavily planted with Vallisneria spiralis and a few other plants.

There are now 4 African butterflyfish and 7 Hemigrammopetersius Caudalis in it.
I would also like to put some adult pairs (if possible) of Pelvicachromis taeniatus in this tank.

Now my question is, how many pairs of taeniatus do you think I can keep in this setup?

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[sjonnie]

Nobody a clue???

 

[Mike Wise]

My guess is anywhere between 2 and 20 pairs. It really depends on the decoration/structure in the aquarium.

 

[sjonnie]

Thank you Mike.

But perhaps I must explain my question a bit: how many pairs wil give a more or less natural behaviar. That is breeding, defending a territor whitout arrasing nearly to dead the other taeniatus?

 

[Mike Wise]

To show truly natural behavior? Probably no more than 2 pair. In the wild most pairs will control a breeding territory of a square meter or more.

 

[sjonnie]

Oke, thanks Mike. I wil try 2 pair.