Hi, I am relatively new to cichlids, but not aquariums. I have a well-established 55g tank that had a dwindled down population over a few years. About a month ago, I added 2 new fish: 1 firemouth cichlid and 1 Spotted Leaf Fish. They were doing great with the other remaining inhabitants (3 South American catfish and 2 albino bristlenose plecos) Then last week, I got 2 Bolivian rams. (I was thinking of getting another firemouth, but the store was sold out. After discussion with the employee, I picked a pair of Bolivian rams that may be a male/female pair (they swim together and have different shaped foreheads)
Anyway, after a week, I can't tell if there is too much agression between the firemouth and the rams. He chases them around when they are fed, but I don't see any nipping. In between feedings, the rams hang out near the top, at the back, but do not appear overly stressed. I have seen them eating.
Is that normal agressiveness for South American cichlids, or too much? I can still return the rams for 7 more days if needed.
Anyway, after a week, I can't tell if there is too much agression between the firemouth and the rams. He chases them around when they are fed, but I don't see any nipping. In between feedings, the rams hang out near the top, at the back, but do not appear overly stressed. I have seen them eating.
Is that normal agressiveness for South American cichlids, or too much? I can still return the rams for 7 more days if needed.