Fish Compatability

[Furby]

I was wondering if these fish are compatable with each other in a 55 gal. tank if properly aquascaped. Microgeophagus Ramirezi (German Blue Ram), Apistogramma Cacatuoides Triple Red, and the Kribensis (Pelvicachromis Pulcher). I would like to do a pair of each in that size tank and was wondering if that is possible.

 

[Mike Wise]

Personally, I think it's a poor combination. The Rams are relatively inoffensive and tend to prefer more open areas near plants and other hiding places. Territorially, they don't interact that much with cave spawners. The Cacatuoides are a maternal brooding species. Other than trying to keep them out of his personal territory, the male takes no part in directly protecting the female or any fry from other fish. The Kribs are not only a more robust species, but are a bi-parental breeders in which both partners participate in establishing a breeding territory. The Kribs will 'double up' on any fish that enters there territory, which can be larger than you might think.