How many dwarf cichlids can be put in an aquarium?
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One Apistogramma male can be kept with several females in a 200 liter aquarium. When kept in pairs, two different types can be used. Both types should be used at the same time so that they share the pool.
Depending on the setup, there should not be more than 2 males and 3 females in an aquarium of this size. Only a male is better.
The socialization of Apistogramma with other dwarf cichlid species is less problematic. For an Apistogramma species z. B. butterfly cichlids are set.
Dicrossus filamentosus can be well associated with Apistogramma. Both types do not fight among themselves. However, Dicrossus filamentosus are sensitive and demanding. They need very soft, acidic, clean and oxygenated water. Because they hardly forgive a mistake, they still mostly don’t get old.
2 to 3 pairs of Bolivian butterfly cichlids can be kept on a floor area of 100 x 50 centimeters. These are peaceful and quiet. The species lives longer than the Ramirezi, which is usually referred to as butterfly cichlid. The tank must be densely planted and decorated with roots and stones.
Alternatively, 1 or 2 pairs can be kept in such a tank together with one male and 2 to 3 females of the species Apistogramma cacatuoides.
Higher stocking densities are often recommended for smaller aquariums. Eg 2 males with 6 females Apistogramma cacatoides in 100 liter aquariums or 2 pairs of butterfly cichlids in 80 liter tanks.
Sometimes such groups actually live peacefully together and sometimes form a kind of colony. As a rule, however, only if all the animals are used at the same time or have even grown up together.\\ Most of the time, violent arguments break out in such tanks, at the latest during the breeding season. Even if the tanks are well planted and structured. Dominant males and females dominate such an aquarium. The inferior animals huddle around in the corners and hiding places. When they emerge from their hiding places to be fed, they are immediately chased by the dominant animals. They often die prematurely due to the constant stress that this causes.
In rearing tanks even more dwarf cichlids, e.g. BA agassizii and macmasteri, in z. B. 112 liters can be kept without dispute. They even breed when kept like this. However, such conditions cannot seriously be recommended as good, species-appropriate husbandry.
South American butterfly cichlids in the dealer tank: