What can I do?

[Glasstapper]

My tank looks empty because I have all shy fish. The tetras swim out once in a while, but they always stay at the bottom. The salvini only comes out to eat. the guppies were removed due to the salvini hunting them. And the corys...well, they're on the bottom, too, and blend in with the gravel.

My tank constantly looks bare of fish, and I'm afraid I've just chosen the wrong fish. I want to be able to look over at my tank and see activity (other than feeding time).

I was considering giving my tetras to the LFS being as how they're all adult healthy females.

Any suggestions on which fish will swim on the upper regions of the tank and be compatible with the salvini? If not, I can give him back, too, but I kind of wanted to give him a chance.

What do you think?

(45 gallon tank 48in x 12in x 19in, pH is 7.2, temp kept at 80F, nitrates always below 10, weekly 30% water changes)

[Glasstapper]

oh, and I'd like to keep the corys.

[Drumachine09]

Most Barbs are very active, however, i do not know if they are compatible with your tank that you have set up.

[Glasstapper]

Well, I did find this:

Search Results: The Salvini Cichlid should be kept in groups of pairs or more and is compatible with Blood Parrot, Featherfin Squeaker, Firemouth Cichlid, Green Terror, Leopard Pleco L114, Peppermint Pleco L030, Pleco (Common), Severum, Silver Dollar, Texas Cichlid, Tin Foil Barb,

so maybe the salvini hides so much because he's by himself? I've read elsewhere that they should be kept alone. I just don't know.

Ooh, severum would be cool. I'll probably have to change decorations, though.

*frustrated*

[Drumachine09]

The tinfoil barbs sound like the easiest addition.

[Glasstapper]

tinfoil barbs get way too big for my size tank. A 13 inch fish would be miserable in only 45 gallons.

[Drumachine09]

I didnt realize they got that big in a tank

[Slinky_Bass]

Sounds like a tough one Glasstapper.

You could maybe go with a smallish, semi-aggeressive loach species. I've got 6 skunk loaches with my mega territorial angels and they hold their own just fine. If you give them lots of hiding places and planted areas they will be very bold and active. Rather than just dwell along the bottom they will swim and chase eachother mid level too. Skunks should ideally be in a group of 4 or more, to keep their aggression mostly confined amongst themselves.
What I've read about salvinis is that they also like bogwood/caves/cover, so you won't need to add to your decor to accomodate them.

While tinfoil barbs certainly will get too big, maybe a shoal of 6 or so tiger barbs will fill that 'activity' gap in your aquarium. In a nice shoal they will be suitably occupied with eachother and so shouldn't get in your corys or salvinis space too much. They're a pretty attractive fish and they don't get much bigger than 3" so the Salvini won't feel challenged.

I hope this helps :)

[Glasstapper]

Thanks, slinky bass. I do like the tiger barb idea. I have no doubts those guys could probably hold their own.

Another thing I'm considering is maybe a species only tank with salvinis. I'm getting conflicting information on whether or not it's a good idea to keep many or just one. I'll continue researching all I can on the species and see what they say. He's my first cichlid, and I'm fascinated at how he picks up a piece of gravel and carries it in his mouth to another spot. I guess he's redecorating? LOL

[Severus]

haha. A lot of cichlids redoecorate to their liking and i am also going to have to recommend a small school of barbs for your aquarium. They are very active. Mine swim all over the tank and the dont mess with anyone but themselves.