Tank Mate Suggestions For Firemouth Cichlids

[From The Depths]

Well its me again (hope I'm not making a nuisance of myself) and anyone who has seen my threads knows I'm trying to figure out what to stock my soon to be 55 gallon aquarium with. I wanted to do a mixed cichlid combo but the ones I like would most likely cause problems. I know for sure I want two Senegal bichirs and some firemouth cichlids. From what I've read firemouths are not as aggressive as other cichlids and usually are more bark than bite. Could I do a male and female in this tank with the bichirs? If so what else could I add? I am considering either silver dollars or rose line barbs but would like a few more options. African Butterfly has been suggested before.

Suggestions and input wanted

Thanks

 

[virgil2090]

unfortunately a 55 gets small fast.the firemouths, if they breed will try to protect the fry.they could injure the birchirs.i would stick to all M or F.for dithers maybe look into rainbowfish or giant danios.i think SD will get too big and sometimes nervous.google them,you will see the size of a small dinner plate,haha.how about rainbow cichlids? salvini,HRP

 

[From The Depths]

unfortunately a 55 gets small fast.the firemouths, if they breed will try to protect the fry.they could injure the birchirs.i would stick to all M or F.for dithers maybe look into rainbowfish or giant danios.i think SD will get too big and sometimes nervous.google them,you will see the size of a small dinner plate,haha.how about rainbow cichlids? salvini,HRP

More than likely the 55 gallon will be upgraded to a bigger size before they all reach adult size. Will male firemouths get alone? I read somewhere that they would fight but wasn't a great source lol. I think I could get some rainbowfish at a LFS that get 8 inches I believe. Not too crazy about the SD to begin with so cutting them from the list isn't a problem haha. Not sure any LFS close by has rainbow cichlids, salvini or HRP's will have to look and see. going to one that's about 45 minutes away tomorrow to scope em out

 

[Black Jack]

i had 2 male fire mouths get along together in my 75. they actually would team up and help each other out when theyd get into fights w all the cons in the tank. firemouths are all gill flare n no nip lol

 

[From The Depths]

i had 2 male fire mouths get along together in my 75. they actually would team up and help each other out when theyd get into fights w all the cons in the tank. firemouths are all gill flare n no nip lol

That's what I've read about them lol. I've read that they don't really have the mouth structure for fighting and could be injured by other more aggressive cichlids. I really wanted to but black convicts in with them and even considered a jewel but have read of this ending badly.

Since they are more for flaring and not so big on contact lets say I did have a mated pair and they had eggs/fry do you think they would actually hurt the other fish in the tank or just flare and chase?

 

[From The Depths]

Also just curious how many firemouths can live together in a 55 gallon (will most likely end up in a bigger tank when they are close to adult size)? Would consider 4 males or 2 pairs of male and female Or a male female pair with 2 other males.

 

[virgil2090]

If your gonna upgrade then you can start with maybe 5. I never have kept them, but with many ca/sa you must use trial and error.if they get overly aggressive have a back up plan to separate

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