I heart cichlids

Hey all. New guy here. We recently re-did our 55-gallon tank because most of our fish died of old age. We have a 6-inch Jack Dempsey, which is about 6 years old.

Over the last week, we bought two convicts and two firemouths (and two giant danios on a recommendation for the introduction to Jack). The Dempsey went after them for about an hour, and has left them all alone since then.

We've been trying to get two more Central American cichlids, different from what we have now. After searching all of the stores in the area, we realized it's slim pickings.

We stopped at one of the stores today, and found two African cichlids that my wife liked (one is a red-top zebra, I forget the other one). I know that normally the two types shouldn't be together. Since they're all around the same age (with the exception of the Dempsey), will they be okay together? Or will I have some dead fish on my hands in the next few weeks?

Thanks for the help.

sunstrip

It all depends on the fishes personalities...it's a bit of a crap shoot..just because all the stats say that you can't do it..doesnt mean it wont work...look at my 55 gallon...I have a few fish in there that they say you should not have together...but they all get along GREAT...at first the major prob that I had was at feeding time....that's when the posturing starts...but if you take your time...and learn what,where,and when to feed...you can cut down on the bickering...fish are like people...sometimes you have to use crowd control...LOL...as long as you don't have fish that will eat other fish (that aspect will never change)...many combos are possible....just my opinion though...MANY here would disagree with me....but then again...my tank works...so what can I say.

sirdarksol

It is strongly suggested that you follow suggestions with regards to fish that should not go together. As Sunstrip said, things can work. There's always the lion that will lie down peacefully with the lamb. But for the most part, the lamb becomes dinner.
In my opinion, hoping that the fish will work together is a bad idea unless you have a backup planned. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with trying things out if you're ready to bring the fish back or put it in a "proper" setup should things not work out.

And...
Welcome to Fishlore!

sunstrip

Oh...I agree sirdarksol ..I forgot to add that to my post....you should always have a back-up plan...that's very important...Ive had to move a few fish...if you read anything about my trials and tribulations...I had to put a Paradise Fish in solitary confinement once...LOL

I heart cichlids

Thanks for the replies.

One thing I forgot to mention is that we have a BUNCH of plants and caves for hiding places...I'll get a picture or video on here one of these days. It's nice because they slow the Dempsey down and allows the smaller fish plenty of hiding places. The Dempsey has his own cave and the smaller fish steer clear of it.

We had another tank (20-gal) but sold it last year, so if we need a backup plan, we'd have to buy another tank.

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore..cant wait to see pics!!

Allie

Red Top Zebras are super aggressive and famous for digging up your plants. Very handsome fish tho. I had one in our malawi set up 2 years ago. He dominated the tank.