Who needs bigger tank: A. agassizzii or P. taeniatus?

[Mud Pie Mama]

I'm working on setting up a new tank rack to accomodate keeping some dwarf cichlids. I've kept them in a community tank but want to give them their own spaces. My first goal is for the fish to be happy and healthy; as well as witness natural behaviors. If I'm successful w/ breeding that's a happy outcome; but not the primary point. If I want to up my chances of rearing fry I could move some out.

If I had to put one of these in a smaller tank which would be the better choice:

Harem of Apistogramma agassizzii: 1m w/ 2 or 3f
or
Well Bonded pair Pelvicachromis taeniatus 'Moliwe'.

I have one 15g (12"x24") and one 20g long (12"x30"). Which fish would benifit more from the extra space....or conversely, suffer less in the smaller tank? Also, does it matter right now that the Pelvics are mature individuals and the Apistos are still 1" juveniles? Will either of these do well in the 15g, or should I just use the 15 for a pair of smaller apistogrammas like A. borellii?
TIA,
Kate P.

 

[ed seeley]

IMO/E each female Apistogramma likes about 12" of room so I'd go with the 30" tank for the Apistos if you want 3 girls.

A bonded pair of Pelvics should be fine in a 2 foot tank - I've kept many in similar sizes.

 

[tjudy]

Welcome to the forum!

Whether or not the fish you are interested in keeping will do well in tanks that small depends upon the amount of structure you are going to give them. In either case, I would suggest ample amounts of driftwood, caves and plants to let subdominant fish hide.

A 'well bonded pair' of P. taeniatus should be able to do fine in a 15 gallon tank, but things change. A harmonious pair today can easily be a single parent the next, often without warning. IME, the tank size is not really a factor if a big male decides to get rid of his mate. More space just provides a better opportunity for the female to get away.

Since you are thinking of a harem of Apistos vs. a pair of kribs, I would put the harem in the 20 long because there are going to be more fish that will not get along. Harem females will each need a territory, and the male will not be friendly to non-breeding females. A bonded pair of kribs, however, will not fight unless someting in their relationship changes.