Jack Dempsey's and Green Terror's.

[Tony]

Interesting thread. Sorry about your GT, Andrew... though it sounds like you have the wild ones coming up.

I generally don't mix old world and new world (or lakes/regions for that matter), but don't look down on folks who do. I have one tank where I'm using Malawi mbuna as target fish for a group of juvenile P. bifaciatus. Both like hard-ish water and NLS pellets, so whatever. If I took the mbuna out, the 2.5" bifaciatus would certainly kill each other (with only 4 in a 75).

From what I've read and started to notice with my own fish, I think that the biggest detraction between mixing new and old world fish (besides chemistry and diet for very specialized rift lake fish like Tropheus) is body language. There are subtle cues that Central American cichlids have learned that fish from other areas just don't get... beyond the obvious flaring and mouthing. Changing of colors or patterns in the body or wiggling a certain way is something that some fish just won't pick up on. And then there's pheromones....

Anyway, not saying it's bad to do, just explaining an often-overlooked difference/incompatibility between fish from different parts of the world.

 

[Jeff721]

Well noone has established anything in my tank.

Your tank is their established territory. They won't establish a specific spot in your tank unless you've got a 125+ gallon aquarium. Otherwise, the whole tank is going to become their territory.

 

[gravel_digger]

i have to say out of all the GT/JD i have owned overall the JDs have been more of the aggressor. the GTs have been more laid back quote "more of a community type fish". on the other have my collection of JDs have been straight bruisers who had no problem locking lips with whatever else was in the tank with them

 

[04rwon]

Ok, so bc its a smaller tank they wont pick out just one area.


I never thought of the body language. Very interesting.

Theres been alot of good info in this thread. You all are great, keep it coming.


Well i was out and had to run to target to get something for my gf. I stopped in petco afterwards since it was right there. They have green terrors. I watched them for a few minutes. They were with firemouths, in fact i believe it was the sMe tank my firemouth came out of. There was a tiny one, i believe to be female. Had lots of green in its face, bearding. I couldnt resist. But...this is it! No more fish for this tank.

 

[04rwon]

Heres a couple pics of Jackie and Kawi.

 

[04rwon]

They kept moving so the pics arent clear

 

[jonclark96]

Cute little guys. What sized tank do you have them in?

 

[04rwon]

They are in the 29 until me move. No reason to mess with the 55 yet just to take it back down in 2 weeks....atleast thats what the gf says...id rather set it up lol

 

[04rwon]

About a week, so far they are pretty happy. The GT likes to stay closer to the top of the tank. The JD stays likes to stay closer to the bottom. The JD seems to think he is one of the africans...he likes to swim with them. Thankfully the JD has put the convict in its place. Its no longer the tank bully. Overall everyone seems to get along. The colors on the GT are beautiful, especily when it hits the light. Same with the Jack. They both really do well with the firemouth. Alot of the time they share hiding spots.