What size tank MINIMUM for breeding Paretroplus nourissati??

[emartin]

What size tank would you all suggest for keeping and breeding Paretroplus nourissati 'Lamena'? I'd love to keep them some day.

What other cichlid and non-cichlid tank mates would do well with them as well?

Besides on the featured article on this website any other advice on breeding them? Even if they don't breed for me I'd just be happy to see them in their breeding dress.

~Ed

[emartin]

Anyone?

I was hoping a 125g for a 1m1f would work (they pair up right?).

And can any other madagascar cichlids or any cichlids at all join them or the aggression would be too much?

And what about non-cichlid tank mates? Like clown loaches, giant danios, rainbow fish, etc?

~Ed

[Sharpfish]

Hi Ed. I know they get fairly large. I have heard of people keeping groups around 6 specimen. I know a problem with them is they eat their eggs. I believe a 125g would be a minimum tank size to keep this species. A larger tank would be better with heavy plants and rock work as decor. I have friend in Columbus,Ohio(USA) who has a group that has unsuccessfully spawned. I am eagerly waiting for the good news of wigglers. Wally

[ciclasoman]

Hello:
From personal experience, I started with a group of 8 barely 1 in long. The Fish were moved from a 100 gallon tank to 200 after a couple died due to aggression, mind you the tank was stuff with Pty oligacanthus as dither fish. Once in the larger tank, the fish became more aggressive and was left with 4. 3 were moved to a 350 gallon tank and the most aggressive was left alone. Finally one pair formed but the aggression continued relentless so I moved the pair to a 1000 gallon pond where they spawn regularly but the eggs are not fertile, I am still waiting to be a grandad. In the meantime I got 3 small ones to try again.
Good luck.

[emartin]

What about a 265g tank? That's 7ft long by 2ft wide and 2.5ft (30") tall or for those of you who use the metric system: 1,003.13412 liters, 213.36cm long by 60.96cm wide by 76.20cm tall.

Can any other madagascans, other non cichlid but big fish, etc etc be kept in the same tank like that?

[Alfon76]

I don't have the experience yet of many here but I keep my 7 adult Nourissati in a 500 gallon tank with plenty other Paretroplus (menarambo, dambabe, maculatus, kieneri) and 2 pairs of Ptychochromis "gold". There are 2 pairs that have spawned. Not sure if the others are all males or females. Aggression is rarely seen with them but they certainly chase each other and the other cichlids around every so often.
My problem has been the same as the other keepers, they eat the eggs after 24 hours. I managed to take 1 clutch out but it fungused quickly despite my efforts to prevent this. So I am still waiting to be a grandpa as well, with no luck.

Ivan