other fish in dwarf cichlid tank

[pilgrim]

ok, I know I have till after christmas break, and then another month to let the 20 gal tank cycle, but I am of course thinking of what to stock it with already. I am pretty sure I want a pair or trio of dwarf cichlids. I would like them to raise fry, but that limits any other species I can put in the tank. Would a dwarf puffer or two be safe to keep with cichlid fry. The bottom of the tank would be heavily planted. I have my doubts from what I have read. Anyway, does anyone know if this is possible or is there anouther species that will not eat very many fry is my dwarfs breed? thanks

 

[gheitman]

I would avoid the dwarf puffers if you are serious about breeding dwarf cichlids. You could get some algae eaters like otos or a rubber-lipped pleco.

 

[Jchillin]

I agree, breeding cichlids will not be possible with an aggressive species in the same tank. Plecos, cories and otos are more compatible.

 

[gheitman]

I forgot to mention earlier that pygmy cories could also be possible tankmates. I keep some with apistos and an oto.

 

[pilgrim]

thankyou. Your probably right about the dwarf puffers. I think Ill try some otos or something.

 

[severum mama]

If you can find pygmy corys, I second the suggestion from gheitman. They are great fish and stay very small, and they would never bother dwarf cichlids. Otos are great too.