Firemouth

[guppy_wootz]

Can i keep two firemouths ( male and female) in a 20 gal tank?
Filtration is 2 10gal box filters, already cycled
thx

[William]

Is it an established pair?

[guppy_wootz]

nope, i dont think so...

also, can you distinguish genders in juvies?

[Oscar_freak12321]

Usually males have brighter colors and longer dorsal fins on the rear end...otherwise, not much difference.

[guppy_wootz]

so is it fine to keep them together?

[Lab_Rat]

That's too small for a pair, unless it's a 20g long. Even then, I would only do it with an established pair, not a random male and female.

[Oscar_freak12321]

What? Two males? A male and a female? It's all right to keep two FMs together, but they will most likely will have to be male and female to get along, even if they're not a breeding pair. :22:

[Oscar_freak12321]

LB: I've seen two FMs that were not an established couple do fine together...:14:

[guppy_wootz]

ok so its not big enough for a male and female?
thx guys
btw the tank is 24*12*16 inches or 60*30*40 cm

[William]

It will do as a breeding tank for established pairs but is a bit small for a long time home for a none established pair.

[Red]

Agreed, to small.

[Lab_Rat]

LB: I've seen two FMs that were not an established couple do fine together...:14:

Yes, but what size tank? A 24" long tank is not a very long footprint for territorial cichlids.

[guppy_wootz]

ok thx guys... guess i will have 50 neons instead.

[Lab_Rat]

An all neon tank would be awesome...not sure if 50 is the right number though...

[Oscar_freak12321]

Yes, but what size tank? A 24" long tank is not a very long footprint for territorial cichlids.
Touche. I believe it was a 30 but I can't remember. :14:

[Sharkman]

i hate to be redundant, but yes I agree the 20g is too small for 2 or even one. The fish would really need more room to forage around. I love your idea of all neons. I hope to do that soon as well with a 10g. Good Luck.