Dwarf Cichlids

[StripedBandit]

Hi all, I have an established 29g tank, currently housing a rainbow shark and two botia striata. I am looking into getting some type of dwarf cichlid, probably a pair of bolivian rams or some type of apistos. What would be a good species to add along with them, in terms of small, schooling fish? I was looking in to Cardinal Tetras, would they work?

 

[Fishy Smell]

You are probably fully stocked with territorial fish in there, the rainbow shark should be in a bigger tank really. I would imagine cardinals would be ok though. And then maybe some good sized Hatchets for the top.

 

[StripedBandit]

Yeah I always catch trouble when I tell people I have a Rainbow Shark in there. But I've had him for 8 years, and he's been in the 29g for 6 years. He seems to be doing just fine.

And I went and picked up 4 Bolivian Rams earlier. I guess once a pair forms I'll give the other two to my lfs.

 

[Fishy Smell]

Bolivian Rams are a little hard to sex. You might have chaos in there soon, as rams pick on each other quite badly in my experience. They are nice fish though, i have 2 in one tank and one in another. Just keep a close eye on it all, if you see any fish getting beaten up badly, take them back, if you get a happy medium in there good for you.

 

[StripedBandit]

Yes they are beautiful. I'm planning on keeping a close eye on them to make sure none fight. And if/when they do, I'll make adjustments.

I did a bit of research on how to sex them, and I came up with the black stripe seems to extend more onto the dorsal fin for males, and their tail fins extend a bit more than females. If this is the case, one of them is definitely a male. I can't really tell for the others though. But I have noticed since I put them in that the definite male is staying off by himself, and the other three are sticking close by each other.