Buddys for Firemouths

Discussion in 'Community Tanks' started by Gaawie, Dec 7, 2009.

  1. Gaawie

    Gaawie Wannabe

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    Hello all. I would like some suggestions on who to house with my Firemouths. I have 4, they are still small and in a community type tank, but as they grow I would like to have them in a tank set up with their specific water parameters, a 1.2x45x35 tank with rocks and caves. I've been thinking about who I could possibly house with them, fish that share similar water needs and that would fit in with 4 firemouths. I want interesting, fairly hardy fish, preferably chichilds. Although nothing too difficult (jaguars, convicts). Any advice? An oscar or bichir would be out of the question, right? :eek:
     
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  3. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    some cichlid species you should be able to find at any good LFS: Blue Acara, Green Terror, Flag Cichlid, Nicaraguan, Gold or Green Deacons, Uaru, Synspillium...
     
  4. speedz

    speedz In need of a fishroom....

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    maybe blue acaras or even kribs
     
  5. SalmonAfrica

    SalmonAfrica Batfish

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    I agree with speedz on his two cichlid choices - Dolphin as well but I'm very unsure about mixing Green Terrors with Firemouths. Firemouths can hold their ground against some farily aggro species, but Green Terrors stay very true to their name.

    Btw, Gaawie, I'm keeping a two young Firemouths with a small group of Convicts, and haven't had any trouble so far. In fact, the Firemouths are dominant. Maybe you could consider them as possible tankmates.
     
  6. OP
    Gaawie

    Gaawie Wannabe

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    Thanks for the suggestions guys. I've really been hankering after a bichir lately though... Bad idea?
     
  7. speedz

    speedz In need of a fishroom....

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    any specific species of birchir?
     
  8. Gilbertr14

    Gilbertr14 Phenacogrammus

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    Senegal is about the only one in Cape Town at the moment.
     
  9. OP
    Gaawie

    Gaawie Wannabe

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    Ah, from what I've read, they would get a bit big for my setup? I've seen some albino bichirs simply labelled "Polypterus", I'm assuming that those are senegal Bichirs. How fast do they grow, I wonder....

    I would want one that gets to about 35cm, Like maybe a Guinean Bichir (I see they are quite rare though?) or maybe a polls Bichir?
     
  10. Gilbertr14

    Gilbertr14 Phenacogrammus

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  11. SalmonAfrica

    SalmonAfrica Batfish

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    Most Polypterus will get too large for your setup. Senegals normally get to roughly 30cm in captivity, although they do have the potential to get larger. Also, at this size, they pose a risk to smaller tankmates.

    The albino Polypterus are normally Senegals; I doubt you get the rarer vareties in albino form here in South Africa.

    Polypterus either grow really fast - that is, with good diet, a sizeable tank and good water management - or slowly and stay relatively small. However, they only stay small due to stunting and stunting can have adverse effects on a fish's health.

    Not likely down here. I recommend you go for Ropefish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus). Same family just look a little different and aren't nearly as predatory, except for very, very small fish. They also don't grow to much more than 30cm normally and will live happily in your tank.
     
  12. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    with Ropefish you will need a tight fitting cover with NO gaps as these fish will find the smallest gap and get out... I saw some last week at +/- 40cm :eek:
     
  13. Gilbertr14

    Gilbertr14 Phenacogrammus

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    Where Dolf?

    Looking for some bigger mates

    There was a petshop here in Cape Town that kept on finding the rope in the tank next door every morning, with tops closed.

    I've lost 3 escape artists in my life.

    They do prey though, I have gone through about 30 odd Silver tips, Rummy noses and Neons the last 4 - 5 weeks

    http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?t=1798&highlight=morning
     
  14. Dolphin

    Dolphin

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    one of the other importers...let me know if you want one.


     
  15. OP
    Gaawie

    Gaawie Wannabe

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    Mmm, the tight-fitting lid bit might be a problem. And if it did escape, our dogs would probably chow it...
     

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