Can Barbs and Cichlids mix?

**AAG** · 06-18-2012, 04:30 PM

Hello everyone!

Currently I have a Red tin foil barb (he's probably about 6") 2 geophagus, and a plecco in my 55 gal tank. Looking to add a new edition, everyone in the tank gets along peacefully.

While at one of my favorite fish stores, I was interested in the Hero severus cichlid, however I was told not to mix barbs and cichlids. Is this true and if so why? My barb has never been aggressive to any of the fish in my tank.

**Aeonflame** · 06-18-2012, 04:33 PM

I would not keep tinfoil barbs in that tank. They grow too large and should be kept in schools. What kind of geos do you have? Your tank is currently overstocked and adding a severum would make it more so. Most would say that a 55 is the minimum required for a severum

**MCHRKiller** · 06-18-2012, 09:09 PM

Well Geophagus *are* cichlids so...it seems it is working well. Typically barbs and cichlids do mix well, I keep many species of barbs and cichlids together.

However as Aeon has pointed out your tank is by no means adequate for the fish you have. Tinfoils need to be in a group and as they grow to a massive 12" active fish you would need a 6ft tank at the bare minimum to house them. Your Geophagus also prefer to be in groups in most cases, depending on species they can also grow between 6-12". Your pleco also depending on species can grow to an excess of 18". The tank you have is just not adequate for the fish you have...and adding another large fish to it will only complicate the situation.

**AAG** · 06-18-2012, 11:15 PM

Thanks guys I hear you loud and clear. Appreciate the advice

**AAG** · 06-18-2012, 11:18 PM

I was told the species of geophagus I have would be 3" at the most

**MCHRKiller** · 06-19-2012, 08:31 AM

Some Gymnogeophagus do grow to around that size, but even the smaller Geophagus grow to 5-6"...however most are in the 8-12" range.

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-19-2012, 11:34 AM

I have wanted a severum for what seems like forever but I have a 55 planted tank and I have decided I just can not have one. I don't want to put a fish in any tank that is the bare mininium for them. That would be a mininum with nothing else in the tank. With all the plants, he would probably eventually tear them up anyway and he would have to share the tank with an angelfish and some corys.

That's just pushin' it too much. Your tank is not adaquate for a pleco (if it's a common) or the Tinfoil Barb. Common pleco's grow to a foot or more. I think you'd be best to stir yourself away from monster fish and stick with fish that are more suitable for your tank size.