FIREMOUTHS

[ScubaSteve]

Would 1 Firemouth be OK in a 55 gal tank with Rams, Apistos and Tetras (Cards & Rummies).

I know that they are aggressive when they spawn and max out at 6 inches, that's why I only want one specimen. My tank has lots of caves for it to hide. I am worried about it eating my tetras and beating up my Rams. The firemouth that I was going to buy is 1.5 inches.

 

[c_paan]

My firemouth is a bully, he likes his own space so if anyone goes in that space it chases them away. On occasion he likes other fishes space as well, so he is a bit of a bully, at times. Ussualy he swims around side by side with my jack dempsey. So I cant say hes an alround bully. Most fish do back off when he starts flaring so maybe the other fish you put in with him will just get the hint to stay away rather then get into a fight.

 

[phOOey]

i'd say you'd be ok doin that, the firemouth will set up a territory ( usually a cave or something) then will probably only get aggressive if some one goes in it. i dont thnik that he would eat ur tetras either.

good luck

 

[c_paan]

my firemouth is about 3 inches long and theres no way it could geta tetra in his mouth, maybe a few nipped fins, but tetras are pretty fast.

 

[fishydude22]

well, it would be ok if you want shredded apistos and rams and a supply of live food (tetras). See where i'm going with this??

Firemouths are aggressive. If you research them and sites say that they are supposedley peaceful that's bull! They do get aggressive during spawing, but that's cichlid behaviour!

 

[ScubaSteve]

fishydude - If I only get one, it shouldn't get aggressive during spawing.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Well, Firemouths have that Live let Live attitude going. Yes they can be a bully but it all really depends on the certain fish's personality.

I personally would be skidish of the tetras but i think you would be alright with a few Rams and Apistos. A 55gal is pretty big and has room for territories.....so i would say yes.

 

[levia7han]

i agree with cichlid man. But It all depends on your fish. Some are just bad to the bone. Try and get it from a lsf and not a huge chain store that way you can take it back and exchange it if it is a bad fish....

Lev

 

[fishboy]

No, simple as that, Firemouths will tear up tetras, rams, and any other fish that will be on the more docile side. You have no idea how aggressive these guys really can be. Believe me, as I just got rid of about 100 of these little guys. They are aggressive fish, and will setup a large territory. Anything that comes in a proximity of it will be attacked. I am sorry but it is just not a good idea.

HTH,
Daniel