Cichlids and Plecos?

Question

I currently have a 29g tank whose only occupant is a pleco. It used to be a community tank, but I would really like to get some larger fish in the tank instead of restocking with the smaller ones.

My pet store suggested some blood red parrot mouths, but I just can't bring myself to keep fish that have been injected with dye.

I also heard that it is possible to keep some more "peaceful" varieties of cichlids with a pleco... and I was wondering what a few of these more peaceful varieties would be so that I can research them?

Also, if anyone has any suggestions on a somewhat larger fish (and by larger I mean maybe 6-8 inches at adulthood) that I would be able to keep in the 29g tank I am willing to listen. What I am really looking for is a decent size fish that I can see swimming from across the room.

Answer 1

hey if you want a fish that is really good on the eyes then go for the peacock african cichlids. They dont get bigger than 8 inches and they also dont mess with the pleco.

Answer 2

If your just looking for 1 single fish, go for a Flowerhorn Chiclid. They are a beautiful fish, very sought after. They don't do all that well with tankmates... they can be very agressive, but if your pleco has plenty of places to hide and you introduce the flowerhorn after the pleco is settled, you should be ok. 29g is fine for 1 flowerhorn and 1 pleco.

Plecos are an armored fish. The only thing a chiclid can do to it is bite its eyes. (which does happen) I added decor to match my plecos color's and they usually hangout there during the day. The chiclids are oblivious to their presence during the day and plecos are more active at night anyway.

I have a 30g long right now. Just bought a 90 gallon cause my tank is looking crowded... but here is what I have living peacefully. Its going on 1 year now with no fatalities or fighting between fish.

In my 30g I have...

1x Yellow lab.

1x Compressorceps (alpha male of the tank)

2x Frontosa

1x Bumblebee chiclid

1x Peacock (not sure of particular type)

My chiclids also live with:

1x Synodontis Cat

1x Clown Loach

1x Tiger Pleco

1x Common Pleco

If you create different territories inside the tank for each fish to call home, then you will reduce tank violence. Believe it or not, every fish has a different personalty. Some will fight, and some will be passive. If fighting breaks out, rearrange your tank and let them re-establish territory until it stops.

Answer 3

never get a parrot fish they are not good fish there like freaks in the fish world and people should not breed them not right for the fish

Answer 4

emalie is right about your tank not being suitable for fish that big, but there are some beautiful cichlids that will do well in a 29 gallon, alot of the cichlids from tanganika stay smaller say 2-4 inches. look up african cichlid websites then look up tanganika cichlids you will find some you like.

Answer 5

You can pretty much keep any fish with a pleco. Its almost like they know not to harm it. I have an african cichlid tank with 3 plecos as well and an American cichlid tank with 2. They are completely left alone by the other fish, and they dont bother anyone either. However, your tank isnt that big so a fish that size wouldnt really be suitable. But 1-4 African cichlids would be suitable becuase most Americans get too big. If you look up African cichlids on the web pick on of those because they would definately be better for you size tank and be fine with your pleco.