discussion of jewels and lionhead

[Aquafan]

I'm thinking of getting a jewel pair tank, and I'm curious if a pair of lionhead cichlids would be able to handle the jewels' aggression.

My tank is 4ft and 55 gallons, so it's a decent size. If the lionheads wouldn't survive, that's alright, the jewels are my main priority, but I do think the lionheads are pretty cool too.

[graye]

The lionheads and jewels have pretty different habitats. Lionheads, being Steatocranus casuarius, are adapted to high flow environments - their reduced swim bladders and broodcare are all about living on the edge of torrential rapids. Jewels, on the other hand, can be found in low flow waters like roadside ditches and ponds. Their broodcare and territory would get destroyed in the Congo system where buffaloheads are from.

Designing a tank for both species is quite a challenge. However, buffaloheads like to live with their noses poking out of caves, so they might be able to ride out the jewels' aggressive phases by hiding. When they're not being aggressive, the buffaloheads might try to kill the jewels, but their reduced buoyancy would make it hard for them to catch anything.

[sidthy]

I initially thought you were referring to a lionhead goldfish, which would've been an entirely different conversation. However, considering the actual lionhead cichlids, I must agree with graye's assessment. The worst tankmates for aggressive cichlids like jewels are indeed other cichlids, as they tend to trigger a competitive and territorial response.

[lebleb]

I'm thinking of getting a jewel pair tank, and I'm curious if a pair of lionhead cichlids would be able to handle the jewels' aggression.

My tank is 4ft and 55 gallons, so it's a decent size. If the lionheads wouldn't survive, that's alright, the jewels are my main priority, but I do think the lionheads are pretty cool too.

Jewel cichlids can be extremely aggressive, depending on the species - there are several. A 55-gallon tank is perfect for a pair, but honestly, I'd keep them solo. No other tankmates needed, or recommended, for that matter.

[Aquafan]

I'm thinking of getting a jewel pair tank, and I'm curious if a pair of lionhead cichlids would be able to handle the jewels' aggression.

My tank is 4ft and 55 gallons, so it's a decent size. If the lionheads wouldn't survive, that's alright, the jewels are my main priority, but I do think the lionheads are pretty cool too.

Jewel cichlids can be extremely aggressive, depending on the species - there are several. A 55-gallon tank is perfect for a pair, but honestly, I'd keep them solo. No other tankmates needed, or recommended, for that matter.

I'm fine with just the jewel pair, they're really what I'm excited about and they look amazing.