Jack Dempsey follow up question

[JTfromCharlotte]

Wanted to add a few more cichlids to the 46 bowfront with the juvenile Jack Dempsey. A cichlid enthusiast at my local LFS suggested that I start with a couple firemouthes of similar size. We added 2 and it's been 2 days now, the Jack won't stop chasing them. Will they eventually learn to get along, or is this a doomed situation?

[sheamurai]

Pretty much doomed, I think. Any fish doesn't just stop chasing fish (unless they are only establishing a pecking order). JDs are known for being aggressive, and generally are kept alone in a smaller tank like yours. You will likely have to remove the firemouths...

If you check out the species profile for JDs, you'll see what is recommended for their care...
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/cichlid/jackdempsey.php

[FinalJenemba]

+1, a 46g bow is big enough for one JD, and that's it. You'll have to be careful with even one, depending on how big he gets, he may even outgrow it himself when full grown.

[JTfromCharlotte]

Yea, I'd definitely upgrade to a 75 or 90 in a year or so. That's not a problem. If it comes down to it, I'm going to have to get rid of the Jack. We want a full cichlid set up, not a tank with 1 fish in it. Sucks.

[Old Marine]

It is sad thst some of the best looking Cichlids, are just down right MEAN

[openbook]

He might eventually get so big and lazy he'll ignore the tiny little firemouths.

[skullduggery1]

You could try adding a group of buenos aires tetras or giant danio's in there.It could "distract" the dempsey.

[Rocksor]

I'm in agreement with others about the JD not stopping the chasing. It will only get worse as time gets by.

If you want more than 1 new world cichlid, especially non-dwarf varieties, think about going to a 150g or 180g.