Normal Behavior Or Aggressive Behavior?

Simply because I didn't think I could fit two, especially considering my other fish.

Do you have any advice regarding possibly getting another tank for my Bandit?

I've never owned them. Found this online:

 

Yes, I've seen that before, too. Thanks!

 

Ok, so nobody knows an appropriate sized tank for a Bandit Cichlid?

 

Ok, so nobody knows an appropriate sized tank for a Bandit Cichlid?

I haven't owned these fish, but from what I'm reading it looks like a 75 gallon or bigger. They seem to like to live in groups.

 

Then I'm in trouble as I've only got a 55 currently. A few others have mentioned the group thing, but I haven't found anything about that in my own research. I can't seem to find much on them, though.

 

Simply because I didn't think I could fit two, especially considering my other fish.

Do you have any advice regarding possibly getting another tank for my Bandit?

So if you are thinking of keeping the bandit and getting a new tank, why don't you keep more than one, as they like to live together or if you can get a much larger group, how about a pair?

 

Lionsrour, I'm actually trying to research a bit to learn more about the needs of the Bandit. I'd certainly consider getting a second one. Do you know what an appropriate tank size would be, both for a single Bandit and for a pair?

 

Look up Guianacara sphenozona

 

Thanks, slayer5590!

 

I th

Lionsrour, I'm actually trying to research a bit to learn more about the needs of the Bandit. I'd certainly consider getting a second one. Do you know what an appropriate tank size would be, both for a single Bandit and for a pair?

I think you could have one or two in a 40 breeder, but remember that if you are planning of making it a planted tank, they enjoy digging.

 

I'm definitely not up to trying a planted tank. I'm really only considering a 30-37 gallon tank. Do you think I should just return the fish instead?

 

If you don't want to go higher than that size, just take the bandit back.

 

I agree with Anorea, I'd take the bandit back if you don't want to get a bigger tank.

 

For a difference of 3 gallons? Really? Ok, thanks for the feedback!

 

For a difference of 3 gallons? Really? Ok, thanks for the feedback!

What is the layout of the 37?

 

I don't recall without looking it up, but I do think it's shorter than the 30 or 40, which I'm sure is why you're thinking it's a no go.

 

3 gallons isn't really a big deal usually but it really does depend on the layout. I think you could possibly just keep the one in a 37 if the layout is right.

 

Gotcha. Yeah, a 30 and 40 are both 36"+ while the 37 is 30"+.

 

Thanks again to everyone who has given me advice on this topic! I've made the decision to return the Bandit as he remains in hiding nearly constantly, and I'm unable to accommodate a tank appropriate for this fish. He'll be going back tomorrow.

 

Poor mr.bandit. I hope he finds a new home with someone as caring as you were.

 

JGombs99 I think you made the right decision and it's really awesome to see that you cared so much about him. So many others would have done what they wanted instead of what the fish needed.

 

Thanks! I tried to hold onto him, but over time, and with more research, it just became evident that I wasn't going to be able to house him appropriately, and it was likely the Parrot and this guy were not going to be working things out.

 

I had a very overstocked 55 gallon cichlid tank in college (before I knew better). One thing I always did before adding another fish though was change the tank lay out and make sure I had at least 1 hiding spot per fish plus extras. It eliminates established territories so they can reestablish the hierarchy with the new fish. I swear by that method when keeping cichlids. Just a fyI for future reference

 

Thanks, Freshwatercrab! I appreciate the advice as I do plan to get another Cichlid for the tank. However, I'm curious to know what you'll say in regard to this when I tell you that I'm not convinced it was a territory thing. Or, if it was, the Parrot seems to think the entire tank is HIS territory. I say this because there were no issues over hiding spots. If the Bandit was hiding, the Parrot left him alone. But, the Bandit couldn't swim in the open areas AT ALL without being relentlessly chased. Obviously, I could be very wrong, but I don't see how rearranging decor could have done much to help this.

 

Thanks, Freshwatercrab! I appreciate the advice as I do plan to get another Cichlid for the tank. However, I'm curious to know what you'll say in regard to this when I tell you that I'm not convinced it was a territory thing. Or, if it was, the Parrot seems to think the entire tank is HIS territory. I say this because there were no issues over hiding spots. If the Bandit was hiding, the Parrot left him alone. But, the Bandit couldn't swim in the open areas AT ALL without being relentlessly chased. Obviously, I could be very wrong, but I don't see how rearranging decor could have done much to help this.

Fish live in the moment (I'm sure you've heard the saying memory like a goldfish or heck, dory from finding Nemo lol) so while the bandit was out of sight the parrot didn't care, out of sight out of mind. That's why it's also recommended to keep lots of tall plants or decorations to break up the sight line. By all means I'm no expert but that's my take on things from my experience.

 

Understood. Ok, thanks. I definitely appreciate the feedback and suggestions.

 

Understood. Ok, thanks. I definitely appreciate the feedback and suggestions.

No problem and sometimes they just don't get along no matter what, cichlids can be challenging in that sense. Just because they live in the moment doesn't mean they don't still have personality lol I had a 1" pea puffer wipe out a tank of cichlids that could have eaten him so there is always exceptions. Good luck!

 

Wow, that's crazy! Thanks, I may need a bout of good luck to be sure things go well since I plan to add another cichlid, still!

 

Ok, all. Now that it's been a few days since returned the Bandit Cichlid, I'm back. I think I mentioned on this thread that I could get my hands on a small Sajica, but I'm having a bit more trouble with that than I thought I would. The Sajica was sold, and no others have come in yet.

While the Sajica is my top choice to top of my 55 gallon with, and folks on here seem to think that might be a good idea, I decided to consider other options, too. While I wait for a Sajica, are there any other fish that folks think might be a good fit and can hang with my Parrot? South and Central American Cichlids are what I'd most consider.

 

Any thoughts on trying a Rainbow Cichlid?