Cichlid "Mixing"

[strohl71]

Hello out there!

I am fairly new the world of South American Dwarf Cichlids and have been keeping them for less than one year. In this short time, however, I have learned a lot and think these fish are terrific.

I keep my fish in a 38 gallon tank. The tank is semi-planted and has plenty of rockwork and caves.

My question is about the mixing of several different species of South American Cichlids. I keep only one individual of any given species because I really like the variety. I consider myself an amatuer hobbyist and am not interested in breeding.

My tank contains:
One Microgeophagus ramirezi (female?)
One Cleithracara maronii (male)
One A. agassizi (female)
One A. cacatuoides (male)
One A. nijsseni (female)
One A. hongsloi (female)
One A. sp. Opal (sex unknown)
Two Ancistris sp. (obviously not cichlids)

All of the fish generally get along and I have never witnessed any fighting or chasing that I would consider serious. Also, all the fish generally move about the tank as they like and no fish seems to defend a territory.

Is this kind of mixing of species frowned upon by more experienced and serious hobbyists? Is there any concerns that I should be aware of? Again, I am not interested in breeding. I just like the variety of the different species.

Any input would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[hir0]

as long as you enjoy them i have bad luck keeping pairs they always seem to want to kill each other

 

[Neil]

hir0,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Both target or dither fish and good structure may help to minimize the agression towards one another.

Neil

 

[strohl71]

Thanks for the info....