Clowns with CENTRAL AMERICAN cichlids (Not Malawis!)

[JWhipple]

I recently brought home a new addition to my Central American cichlid clan - Vieja Hartwegi (photo below).

I read the article about not putting Clowns in with Malawis - but - these particular cichlids that I am asking about call for the same type of water setup as clowns.

So - with that in mind - what's everyone's thoughts on putting clown loaches in with these CA Cichlids?

[Diana]

I am not sure about the aggression level of all the SA Cichlids. I would think that a moderate to gentler fish would be OK.
Most want to claim an area of the tank as theirs, sometimes a cave, often a depression in the sand or gravel.
As long as the tank is big enough that the Cichlid does not feel that the whole tank is his perhaps it would work.

[JWhipple]

I guess I should have stated this the other way around - I want to put this fish into a tank that is established with the clowns - so it definitely won't think that it's just his tank!

[Ashleigh]

Tried it with oscars before, didn't work. Clowns ended up suffering, plus was unable to set up the tank specifically to cater for their needs as well as the oscars. Needless to say, the oscars went, they wern't a mating pair, but they did do quite a lot of damage, even with such a large tank (6x2x2).

Also have tried it with a green terror (quite mild temperment for a GT as well) couple of years back, again aggression was displayed towards the clowns, even though they were in such a large group.... the GT went.

Not to sure if it would work out, might be an idea to have a back-up tank, just incase


Ashleigh

[JWhipple]

If I try this, it's going to be on a day that I have nothing to do but monitor the tank - I won't put up with any aggression towards my babies!

[MTS]

The profile at the cichlid sight calls this fish mildly aggressive. That is a good sign. Also says mixes well with other cichlids--Also good sign.

However, it can be hyper-aggressive defending spawning sights but with only one, shouldn't be a problem.

Yours is much prettier than the picture shown at:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=98

Good luck and let us know how things work out.

[JWhipple]

Maybe they need to update their image - that one they have the photo of looks like a very young subject

[Dirk_H.]

Hello,

unfortunally the fishes don't know, what some guy write about them. If the cichlids get fry, they could be a total different fish. The clowns are also "groundfishes", isn't it?
The 2nd thing is, the cichlid is from central america. Clownloaches are from southeast asia. It's not the best combination. Better, you get "Poecilia" or "Xiphophorus" or "Limnia". They live mostly in the same habitates like your Vieja hartwegi. Please not, this cichlid could 12" all! And he grows a little bit faster than you clowns.

Fine regards
Dirk

[Tinman]

As Dirk pointed out the growth rates differ drastically which is the biggest concern in a few short years. I do not think they accent each other at all when housed together myself. The larger fish takes away from the loaches IMO. Bolivian Rams are the exception for my tastes....The cichlids are nasty /dirty and eat your food meant for the true trophys in your tank...The loaches....but I am biased anymore....

[JWhipple]

At most, this is an interim solution if I decide to try it.

Maybe 4-6 months at the most.

[nighthawk]

I've kept my clowns with oscars, synspillum, bifasciatum, severums, blood parrots and black acaras. None ever showed any aggresion toward the clowns. Of course YMMV.

[Dirk_H.]

Hi,

it could be, that is going o.k., like nighthawk said, but also could it be, that the cichlid is "stronger" than your clowns. I wouldn't risk it. In my point of view, a meltingpott-tank isn't my way. But it's my little opinion!

Greetings
Dirk

[JWhipple]

I decided to give it a try, even just on a trial basis. Ended up spending the entire day in front of the loach/rainbow tank making sure everything was good - no problems!

Only time will tell though!

[Blue]

The only SA cichlid I tried with loaches is the gold severum. I raised them from an inch size last year and they're now 6 inches. They didn't mind the loaches brushing their body around as they lead the feeding frenzy.

I'd be wary about trying the other species though except maybe the Uarus which I find mild-mannered as the severums. Angels aren't usually a problem either but their fins may be at a risk being nipped.

[nighthawk]

BTW, thats a beautiful hartwegi.