RyanTom1

At the moment I have 5 cichlids in my tank. 1 Green Terror, 2 Black Convicts, 1 Texas cichlid, and 1 Rainbow Cichlid. I also have 9 Tiger barbs at the moment. ALl the cichlids are around 2 to 2.5 inches except for the Rainbow which is around 3 to 3.5 inches.

They've all been together for about a week now and none of the fish bother each other in the least bit. I don't know if this is normal behavior or if im lucky. Will one or some try to establish the tank as their own in due time? And if this isn't too specific a question, how long should they get along without aggression before they really develop "personalities" for lack of a better term.

MousePotato

Hello, RyanTom1. I don't know much about American cichlids, so I don't think I can help, but I thought I'd respond to give your post a boost and maybe someone else will help.

How big is your tank?

Slug

Yes one will become the dominant fish, always happens. As they come into sexual maturity they will start wanting to show off and flex their muscles.....much like a teenager would do. Positions could change as well, another teenager could step into the dominant role.

I'd guess anywhere from 3.5-5" range is when you'll start seeing stuff happen. If i had to guess, your convicts will be the first trouble makers especially if you have a pair. They come into sexual maturity at a very early age and if they pair up, they could rule the tank.

Allie

The green terror or convicts will likely take over the tank. If you have a pair of convicts I'd get them a tank of their own. If they breed they will stress the heck out of the other fish. Green terrors are very nasty compared to rest of what you have.
If you keep all these fish you are going to need a 100g at least.

RyanTom1

Thanks for the info. Ill start working on the boss(wife) here shortly to let me get another large tank, 55 gallons or so. Im very very new to this, however, I really enjoy the fish. Didn't exactly think you could becomed attatched to fish, but I am. I find myself watching them for long periods of time just to see how they act. I also find myself worrying about them a lot. Thanks again for the advice

Slug

You definitely picked the right type to watch! Cichlids are amazing, smart fish. Lots of fun to watch interact with their environment.

FishFolk

Cichlids are entertaining to watch. I do it often
Yes, you are pretty lucky. After a couple months, I finally have tankmates that work together- for now. I didn't do it on my own. I had lots of help from folks on the forum and other fishkeepers I have run across in town. Coryd55 and I spent hours repeatedly reworking the rockwork and catching bullies ( and selling some). A friend practically gave me the fish that has rounded it out - He knew I wanted the male for my females. A few more reworks and all is well, for now. I know when the guys and girls want to breed, things will change.

Allie is a wonder -I think I'd follow her suggestion and give the convicts a tank of their own...If you can't get another tank, maybe the fish store would swap some of your guys/gals for a more compatible group. If you decide to split them up (in tanks or swap) you can list who you want where and post it. There are many in the forum who can help identify potential tankmates (and those to avoid).

I know swapping or selling is a hard thought, but if they turn on each other, it is better than watching them destroy each other. I learned the hard way when one of my first, and still fav, fish killed another fish. Then he started picking on someone else. I had to let him go (to a fish store) lest he kill everyone. He just needed a big ole tank to himself.

Cichlids are fun to watch and the thrill of getting them to coexist is delightful! Enjoy!

platy ben

People say that pairs of convicts chase everything else up one end of the tank and stress them out when the convicts are breeding, but my convicts have some fry at the minute and they share the tank with 2 angels and 2 opaline gouramis and there is no chasing or fighting at all

Shawnie

ben, it will happen..once those fry become free swimmers over the tank, and not just under the hole dug out for them, the convicts will kill your other fish..so have a backup plan

platy ben

Thanks shawnie, your so helpful , ok i'll get a tank ready for the angels and gouramis

Slug

Mine never were overly aggressive either. Not to say it can't happen....just doesn't always happen.

I was even told if you had them in a small tank as just a pair they would kill each other. I moved the pair to a 10gal. 10 successful spawns and no problems before i gave them to a guy at the Zoo that wanted them.

Shawnie

mine were in a 20 gallon and never hurt eachother either..guess I have the psycho pair that would kill any other fish ....needless to say my convicts are in with my oscars now so their agression hasnt changed, just a better playing field

platy ben

I guess the convicts keep the big boys undercontrol a bit then?