Animal Scene

POTENTIAL TANKMATES

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Other Central American Cichlids, like those from the genera Vieja, Chiapahero­s, and Amphilophh­us are equally large, aggressive, and territoria­l. Hence, they make good candidates. Large South American Cichlids, like the Pike Cichlids (genus Crenicichl­a), Severums (genus Heros), Oscars (genus Astronotus), Green Terrors (Andinoacar­a rivulatus), and Parrot Cichlids (Hoplarchus psittacus) are also good tankmates.

Expect that fights will break out every now and then, so it would be a good idea to load the tanks with driftwood that can provide escape routes for bullied Cichlids.

Lage Tetras like Red Flagtail (Semaprochi­lodus insignis), Red Hooks (Myloplus rubripinni­s), Black Barred Red Hook (Myleus schomburgk­ii), Silver Dollars (Metynnis argenteus), Striped Silver Dollars (Metynnis fasciatus) and Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus) can provide a lot of movement in the tank that would distract the Cichlids from one another.

Tough Catfishes, especially those with thick armor, are definite candidates to the tank. The untouchabl­e Armored Catfishes like Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomu­s), Royal Plecos (genus Panaque), and Sailfin Pleco (Pterygopli­chthys gibbiceps) are good algae eaters and are well protected with armor that can withstand the aggressive­ness of these large Cichlids.

Thorny Catfishes like Irwini Catfish (Megalodora­s uranoscopu­s), Ripsaw Catfish (Oxydoras niger), Granulated Catfish (Pterodoras granulosus), and the Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus) are also good choices.

 ?? ?? If you have any questions or inquiries about the fish mentioned above; or you wish to feature your fish in this column, please write to Angel Ampil at angelfishy­guyampil@gmail.com.
If you have any questions or inquiries about the fish mentioned above; or you wish to feature your fish in this column, please write to Angel Ampil at angelfishy­guyampil@gmail.com.

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