What could I pair with some goodeids?

[KATALEKEEPER]

Hi all, I have decided against African cichlids for my 75 gallon tank, becasue I don’t feel comfortable keeping that many fish in such a small tank. Instead I’m looking at doing a kind of Central American “biotope”. I’m pretty set on some goodeids, because I think they are extremely pretty, and I’m always down to help with some conservation! , so my question is, what cichlids could live with a small school of them. The goodeids need room temp unheated tanks, so that’s the main issue. I really like amphilous lyonsi - would that be a possibility?

 

[Krismo962]

duanes

 

[BIG-G]

Maybe something like Thorichthys ellioti.
I think they require warmer water, so maybe not.

 

[KATALEKEEPER]

Maybe something like Thorichthys ellioti.
I think they require warmer water, so maybe not.

I don’t love the look of them sorry

 

[duanes]

Most Central Americans that can handle cooler temps, will eat Goodeids , cichlids like beanii, carpintus, or bartoni are cool tolerant, but also get big enough to eat them.
I have used Goodeids as dithers for Gymnogeophagine cichlids of Uruguay, these cichlids appreciate cool temps, and are inept at predation and small enough to live with medium to large size Goodeids.


Above are Gymnogeophagus sp Paso Pache

Below Gymno quilero, sometimes sold as sp Yerbalito



Gymno. balzani may also be a good choice, above, housed with cool water Corys (C erhardti)

 

[KATALEKEEPER]

Most Central Americans that can handle cooler temps, will eat Goodeids , cichlids like beanii, carpintus, or bartoni are cool tolerant, but also get big enough to eat them.
I have used Goodeids as dithers for Gymnogeophagine cichlids of Uruguay, these cichlids appreciate cool temps, and are inept at predation and small enough to live with medium to large size Goodeids.
View attachment 1449308
View attachment 1449309
Above are Gymnogeophagus sp Paso Pache
View attachment 1449310
Below Gymno quilero, sometimes sold as sp Yerbalito
View attachment 1449311
View attachment 1449312
View attachment 1449313
Gymno. balzani may also be a good choice, above, housed with cool water Corys (C erhardti)

I love balzani maybe that’s an option. Would carpintis work or too big?

 

[Deadeye]

Carpintis is probably too big.

 

[duanes]

Carpintis is probably too big.

Agree with deadeye, with carpintus, even your largest Goodieds would be feeders.

The carpintus above is only half grown (I consider they grow too big for a 75), and beside size, much more efficiently predatory.
Closer to full grown below, 10-12 inches.

 

[KATALEKEEPER]

How about amitlantia sijica? Sorry for the mispelling. They are my favorite.

 

[Gourami Swami]

I think sajica would work fine if we are talking about 72* room temp. I keep most of my cichlids at room temp year round as long as the place doesn't get below 70 or so there should be no problem with that. I would aim for a pair and a few extras (get a group of 6 or so) you may have to rehome some extras but I find it helps to keep them in the tank so the male doesn't turn on the female.
Here is a tank I did few years ago, the fish are Ameca splendens (goodeids) panamius panamensis and h tamasopoensis (cichlids). Hericthys was a lone female and wasnt permanent. Tank was kept room temp.