Possibly a dumb Apisto question

[Kula]

Can different species of Apistos be put in the same tank together? My tank will have plenty of plants, driftwood, and other hiding places. I'm thinking of getting a pair of each of the following species:
Apistogramma cacatoides Orange Flash
Apistogramma baenschi
Apistogramma bittaeniata
Apistogramma trifasiata
Apistogramma borelli Opal Red Face
Apistogramma macmasteri

Thanks for any input!

[fins_n_fur]

Two questions: How big is the tank and what is the current stocking?

I've seen a few each of caca's and macmasteri in the same tank, but that tank is a 150 g, or near two, and stocked with other South American fish.

[Kula]

55 gal and nothing in there right now. It's being cycled, and I'm just trying to plan ahead. As far as what will be going in there, I'll be adding Neon Tetras, Otos, Corys, and a pair of my GBRs. Oh, and I'm only going to put South American fish in that tank.

[fins_n_fur]

Personally, I would only choose one pair of dwarfs to go in with the other fish in a tank that size.

[Kula]

Oh man, I'm going to have to make a tough decision!

[demosthenes]

i'd think you could put two or three but keep in mind that different species are more or less aggressive. for example borellii are very peaceful.

[Tolley]

I have seen borellis and cacas together. 55g is way to small for 12 Apistos. I would get no more than 6. Make sure you have alot of wood and rocks for territories and if possible well planted.

[Kula]

Yeah, I figured 12 Apistos would be way too many for that size tank, but I wanted to make sure. Those six are just the species I like the most, so I'd be choosing from them.

[country_boy454]

I think you would be fine with two pair of apistos in a very well planted tank. I have a pair of caca and a pair of macmasteri in mine and they get along great. I had a lot more than that but it ended in a disaster... I think something got in my water though. I have lots of plants and lots of rocks for hiding and territory.

[DCguy]

Actually, I think you could put them all together but not in any sort of natural or breeding situation. It is possible to treat Apistos like African cichlids - crowd them together and the aggression will spread among all the fish. Generally you will get a male that will dominate but with enough others in the tank there will usually develop some sort of community structure. The key here is to make sure there are enough different males. If you don't have enough fish then the most dominate fish will likely be a serious problem to the others. Very thick cover will allow them to hide but it won't be much to look at.

If you only want a tank with colorful adult males you can do it. Just don't expect that there will be any of the natural behaviors that make these fish so interesting. If you are looking for natural behavior and potential for breeding I agree that one or two species would be best.

DC