Are these Tetra compatible with each other?

[MichiganMan]

I have already decided to introduce the following species to my aquarium:

-Albino Cory
-Congo Tetra
-African Butterfly Cichlid

None of the species listed above grow larger than 3" according to the information that I have found. I would like to add at the least one small school of one of the Tetra listed below. None of the Tetra listed below grow larger than 2" according to the information that I have found.

-Black Phantom Tetra / 2nd choice
-Cardinal Tetra
-Glowlight Tetra
-Lemon Tetra
-Neon Tetra / 3rd choice
-Serpae Tetra / 1st choice

Any compatibility suggestions based these two lists would be greatly appreciated.

-Robert P. Lewis

[Lady Hobbs]

Serpae's are probably the most nippy but do better in bigger schools. But why are you planning to put that cichlid in a tank full of community fish?

That won't work!

[William]

Serpae Tetra is likely the worse choise as they can be very aggressive for their size. your second choice is better in that case.

[William]

The cichlid in question will do great in a community tank. They are similar to rams but more hardy.

[ScottishFish]

I think a larger school of cardinals is your best bet. What size of tank are these fish going in?

[escamosa]

Serpae's are probably the most nippy but do better in bigger schools. But why are you planning to put that cichlid in a tank full of community fish?

That won't work!

Butterfly Cichlids are perfect for community tanks! Nice and peaceful. :)

Phantoms or Cardinals would be my choice. They'll look great with the Butterfly Cichlid.

[MichiganMan]

@ Lady Hobbs - I have read that about the Serpae Tetra, but I was hoping that I might be able to introduce a large enough school to lower the chance of them being nippy. However, I still do not like the fact that they can become aggressive towards each other during feeding time. I chose the African Butterfly Cichlid for several reasons. 1) My aquarium revolves around my Albino Cory, and I have read that Cory exhibit more "natural" behavior in an aquarium when they coexist with both Cichlid and Tetra. 2) Based on what I have read the African Butterfly Cichlid is one of the smaller, and more peaceful types of Cichlid species. 3) Although the Albino Cory, and the African Butterfly Cichlid are from two vastly different regions I have told that the African Butterfly Cichlid can fulfill the South American Cichlid niche. 4) The African Butterfly Cichlid will also do well with my Congo Tetra.

@ William - I can introduce Black Phantom Tera as opposed to the Serpae Tetra. It was a toss up between these two for my first and second choice. I know that is why I ultimately decided to introduce the African Butterfly Cichlid.

@ ScottishFish - Right now I have a 40 gallon flat back hexagon aquarium, but I am going to move my Albino Cory to a 6 foot 180 gallon before I introduce anymore fish. I will probably introduce the Black Phantom Tetra over the Cardinal Tetra.

@ escamosa - I am probably going to introduce the Black Phantom Tetra. I find it's appearance very appealing.

-Robert P. Lewis

[Lady Hobbs]

I LOVE the way to respond to each person without quoting everything!!!!!! You have just become my favorite poster ever and you just joined!!


Yes, I see I messed up with the cichlid. I thought this was a more aggressive cichlid and I should have checked. Like firemouth, angelfish, blood parrot and others, these guys are fine with community.

(Thank you all for setting me right here.)

Serpaes were on sale here for $1 this week and I passed on them. The nippy thing they have going on makes me nervous.

[Lady10Godiva]

I have 14 serpaes together and I would say they arent really nippy now.

In a 180 gallon tank you will have room for some great school sizes.

[oty6231]

I have 7 serpaes and they seem mean as hell. Im going to get 7 more and some green tigers to straitin them out