Pelvicachromis Mixed tank?

[Heather13lucky]

I have a few different types of Pelvicachromis (pulcher (normal, albino, and super red) and taeniatus moliwe) and I am wondering if anyone has tried a tank with all of these together as adults?

This would be my plan...
55g tank
Sand substrate
Extensive rockwork much like any other cichlid tank with a lot of hiding spaces
Lots of plants

Would it be best to do all fish of one sex? I know that they would probably pair off possibly with the wrong color variety but I do not plan to keep fry from them. If this could work, how many should I put in there? I was thinking of maybe putting in some congo tetras with them. In my mind I think it would work much like any other african tank... Hopefully I am right. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[aquaticclarity]

How many Pelvicachromis are you talking about putting in the tank?

The "Pelvicachromis (pulcher (normal, albino, and super red)" are all Pelvicachromis pulcher-meaning they are all the same fish just with different colors and will READILY breed with each other.

I don't think you will have any problems with mixing the taeniatus in with the pulcher.

The biggest challenge will be managing aggression when the kribs start to pair up and claim territory. That's why I asked how many Pelvicachromis you planned on putting in the tank. Having LOTS of structure in the tank (i.e. driftwood, rocks, other caves, plants) will help a lot. Aim to create separate spaces with in the tank that are out of eye sight from each other.

I'm guessing that in a well decorated 55 gallon (4') tank you could house 2 actively spawning pairs at best. 1 pair will easily take over a 55 gallon tank when they have fry, but since you would be adding all the kribs at once you should be able to get two pair in there.

Jeff

 

[tjudy]

Welcome Heather...

I like the idea of a tank full of kribs, but Jeff is right on with his concern that aggression might be an issue. I dominant pair, especially the P. taeniatus Moliwe, will take over a tank of that size. I would stick with two pairs and lots of cover. A large centrally placed decoration, such as driftwood, with caves on opposite sides will give both pairs a place to defend. If line of sight can be disrupted they will not attack each other endlessly.

Ted