Elmer’s Aquarium Community Tank Ideas Tank Size- 50 gal or more South American Cichlid Community Aquarium Why Keep Them? Cichlids comprise a large family of fish native to South America, Africa, and Asia. Many Cichlids are very hardy, colorful and exhibit interesting behaviors. Some get larger and make good tank mates in bigger tanks. They accept a wide variety of foods and are undemanding. Breeding behavior can be very interesting. Aggression in Cichlids - Many of the Cichlids listed on this page are more aggressive toward their tank mates than most other tropical fish. This aggression is rooted in the natural territorial behavior. In nature many Cichlids defend a territory from other competitors for breeding purposes. So when you see displays or fighting among these fish they are exhibiting adaptive behaviors that help them survive in the wild. Housing: Provide a large tank with good filtration. Provide rocks or driftwood. Large Cichlids often uproot live plants so plastic plants attached to gravel bases are the most popular form of decor. Standard water conditions are acceptable. The addition of some Cichlid salt is advised. Foods: Feed Cichlid pellets, sticks or flakes. Supplement with frozen foods. Compatibility Tips: Maintaining a harmonious tank is the biggest challenge to Cichlid tanks. Here are some tips: * Aggressive behavior is rooted in “territoriality''. In nature they defend a territory for breeding purposes. * They are more likely to fight with fish that have similar shape. Fish that do not resemble the existing fish will be perceived as less threatening For example it may be easier to add a large tinfoil barb, or silver dollar, or gar. * If you get them small and let them grow they may do better. * When you add a new fish, feed everyone first. Try re-arranging the aquarium décor to confuse the existing fish. * Keep the Cichlids similar sizes * Bigger tanks will reduce aggression. 75 gallon and up is best. * Provide lots of rocks, driftwood, decor for hiding and territory establishment. * Adult Cichlids can be purchased as singles, juveniles can be purchased in groups. Tankmates: The list below list some species you may want to choose for your community. The Cichlids are mostly South American or West African. Cichlids, Most Aggressive: These fish represent some of the most aggressive fish we sell. Some adults in this group may have to be kept by themselves.: Red Devil, Festae, Managuense, Peacock Bass, Green Terror, Nicaraguense, Flowerhorn, Jewel Cichlid, Buttikoferi, P. Bleekeri, P. Polleni, Convict Cichlids, More “Typical” Behavior: Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Firemouth, Salvini, Pike, , Chocolate, Texas, Port, Heckelii Cichlids, More “Mild” : Blood Parrot, Jurupari, G. Steindachneri, G. Surinamensis, G. Brasiliensis, Severum, Keyhole, Uaru, Kribensis Catfish: Large Plecostomus, many other large catfish Others: Anostomus, Leporinus, Spotted Gar, Red Tail Chalceus Sharks: Large Black Shark, Large Red Tail Shark, Iridescent Shark Knifefish: Large Knife Fish Active Fish: Use Dither Fish to mitigate Aggressive Behavior Add groups of active fish to the tank. Choices can include groups of Giant Danios, Tin Foil Barbs, Silver Dollars, Pink Tail Chalceus, Large Barbs, Large Gouramis, Large Rainbowfish. Elmer’s Aquarium 4005 William Penn Hwy. Monroeville, Pa. 15146 412-372-6535 www.elmersaquarium.com Established 1969 .