Are Red Headed Tapajos or Bolivian Rams more Aggressive?

[sandy7263]

I am in love with the Red Headed Tapajos and like the Bolivian Rams too. Curious which one is more aggressive?

I'm to the point of analysis paralysis and would love your opinions....

I really want a tank where everyone gets along....

I also plan on having some congo tetras, phantom tetras, and some corys.

 

[Deadeye]

Rams are generally harmless. My money would be on the geo for aggression, as it dwarves the ram.
Both aren’t very mean and would go fine with your other fish.

 

[Toby_H]

I've kept both.

First off, as a Cichlid keeper, I would consider both non-aggressive.

I would consider Rams "more aggressive" as they are more likely to defend a territory, but Red Humps "more dangerous" simply because they are larger and thus more capable of causing injury.

I've actually kept both together and have watched a breeding pair of Rams chase Red Humps away from their territory, and have watched a breeding colony of Red Humps chase Rams away from their mothers with broods.

Asking which of these is more aggressive is almost like asking which is hotter, ice water or ice tea?

 

[tlindsey]

My experience with both species that they seem to be conspecific aggressive.

 

[tlindsey]

My experience with both species that they seem to be conspecific aggressive.

Mild aggressive imo.

 

[jake37]

Sorry for the side tack but folks who kept tapajos with bolivian rams; wouldn't tapajos be more temp compatible with gbr ?

 

[fishguy1978]

What they all said. Mild aggression. Both are good community members.

 

[mattybecks]

I have kept a group of Tapajos (7) for many years now, with a variety of different fish, small to large and other cichlids. I have never seen them act aggressively to another fish or cause harm. They are very peaceful. Even when breeding they mock charge, but never actually touch them. The most of i have seen them do is push the other geos away from their rock, but never actually do any harm.
I kept amano shrimp with them once. They ate them, so I guess thats the most aggressive thing they have done.

Keep in mind I have always kept the group in a 750L aquarium (180cm x 60 x 60) so maybe they are very chilled because they had space. Keeping fish in small spaces can dramatically change their temperaments.

 

[Rocksor]

Agree with keeping a group of red head geos in too small of a tank in too small of a group could lead to inter-species aggression. I know someone who kept a group of 5 in a growout 55g, and it didn't end well for the weakest one. The other 4 eventually developed HITH due to stress. I would keep at least in a group of 7 within a 6 foot tank at a minimum.

The minimum size of the group and a minimum 180G tank may dissuade you from keeping them, and keep bolivian rams instead.

 

[tlindsey]

I have kept a group of Tapajos (7) for many years now, with a variety of different fish, small to large and other cichlids. I have never seen them act aggressively to another fish or cause harm. They are very peaceful. Even when breeding they mock charge, but never actually touch them. The most of i have seen them do is push the other geos away from their rock, but never actually do any harm.
I kept amano shrimp with them once. They ate them, so I guess thats the most aggressive thing they have done.

Keep in mind I have always kept the group in a 750L aquarium (180cm x 60 x 60) so maybe they are very chilled because they had space. Keeping fish in small spaces can dramatically change their temperaments.

Yes space is crucial Tbh had a group of Redhead Tapajos in a 55 gallon that I now know was too small.