Mixing Apistos/dwarfs

[swamp-rat]

I have a heavily planted 55 gallon with several apisto. cacatuoides (adult pair, three juvies), but also two blue rams and an apisto. panduro (among other community fish). I would like to add a pair of kribensis, a couple more rams and a pair of Pelvicachromis spp. (unsure of the species offhand). So far everyone is getting along great except the Panduro - he's become the bully of the tank but it's big enough for everyone to escape if needed. Would my new additions get along with what I have? I am thinking of selling the Panduro since he's so territorial. I've searched the forum but haven't found much in the way of mixing species. Thanks.

 

[KenL]

If it is a community you want and are not interested in breeding then you could probably add one pair of Pelvicachromis, two would be too much. I would go for something other than P.pulcher. P.taeniatus or P.subocellatus are better looking IMO. These fish can be very aggressive though, probably a lot worse than you are seeing with your panduro.

I wouldn't worry about the panduro unless he is forcing the other fish (the cacatuoides no doubt) to constantly hide.