Suggestions on a Species to Keep with Phenochilus?

[jonclark96]

Unfortunately, I came home last night to find my female aulonocara ethelwynnae had died. It is kind of a mystery, as it didn't look like it was from aggression and the fish is only a couple of years old. While I do have a batch of fry growing out, it will be a good while until they are breeding size and able to be added back to the tank with their father. I figure this may be a good opportunity to work with the tank space and another species.

The tank is a standard 55 gallon tank and currently has my breeding group of placidochromis phenochilus (1M, 4F). Any good suggestions for a relatively peaceful species that I could add to the tank that would have a good chance of breeding and not bully the phenos?

 

[dogofwar]

Maybe one of the Lethrinops. Phenos need to be the dominant fish or they won't breed, in my experience.

 

[Reed]

I have Frontosas currently with my phenos. Both groups are young and are about to 3-5" and getting along fine. You could also mix a less aggressive peacock like a sunshine or ruby red that are not blue etc .. Just some thoughts

 

[jonclark96]

I'll have to look at the lethrinops. I was also looking at otopharynx.

I don't think frontosa would work out for me, as long term they'd need a tank much larger than a 55, and I don't have a bigger tank available later on.

Thanks for the suggestions. Anyone else had luck with tankmates for phenos?

 

[dogofwar]

Otopharynx would work as well.

Fronts really need a 180+ but you could grow some out with them. Another choice would be some Saratherodon linnelli / carolli...

A really bad combination is shellies and Placidochromis. I did it unintentionally back in the day (I removed a group of multi's but their fry remained...grew out...bred and cover the entire floor of the tank..)

 

[jonclark96]

I had not considered a Lake Barombi Mbo species. I've always liked the pungu maclareni. How would they be? Do you still have yours, dogofwar ?

 

[dogofwar]

I think that the Pungu would do well with them. I still have 2 (a male and female I think). For Pungu to breed, they need to be quite warm (or so I'm told) but the personality is right and they're quite flexible with regard to water conditions.

Matt

I had not considered a Lake Barombi Mbo species. I've always liked the pungu maclareni. How would they be? Do you still have yours, dogofwar ?

 

[misterted]

Mylochromis would go well with them as well.