When I think about putting a certain cichlid species in a cichlid community, I look at how it lives in nature.
If it lives in an area with other cichlid species, chances are favorable that it might accept being in a community.
But if that cichlid is geographically isolated, there may be less chance of a community possibility.
Mayaheros beanii is one of those, it is basically the only cichlid in its north western Mexican habitat, and it often shows that evolutionary isolation by not playing well with others.
Nandopsis haitiensus is another prime example.
In Cuba, N tetracanthus is also not found with other cichlid species, there may have been other cichlids at some time millions of years ago, but the possibility that tetracanthus was able to outcompete, or drive others to extinction, may be why it is the sole survivor. So although there may be possibility of a copacetic community outcome, odds may be less so.
I kept a pair of tetracanthus in a 125 gal, there ....they would allow no othercichlids alive in that size tank . Maybe it was because they were a pair.
A friend kept a pair in a 220 cichlid community, but no other cichlids seemed to dare enter that side of the tank, even though the others were larger, so it my work. But.....If it were me, I'd have another tank at the ready if things go south as a contingency plan.
