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Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 7:03 am
by Danca89
I've got a 40 gallon tank with a mix of juvenile African Cichlids and guppies. The Cichlids are about 1.5 inches, and the guppies are full grown. Anyone have experience with this combo? Worried the Cichlids might get aggressive as they grow.
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 7:59 am
by fin_trek
Mixing Cichlids and guppies can be sketchy. African Cichlids are territorial, and even juveniles might mess with guppies. What's your tank setup like? Plenty of hiding spots?
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 8:45 am
by scuda
I've kept guppies with juvenile Cichlids before, but it's a gamble. The Cichlids will likely outcompete them for food and space as they grow. How often are you feeding?
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:12 am
by softly
Guppies are chill, but Cichlids can be unpredictable. If you're set on keeping them together, make sure the tank has lots of plants and rocks to break sight lines. What's your water hardness? Cichlids need harder water than guppies.
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:34 am
by larosa
Danca89 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 7:03 am
I've got a 40 gallon tank with a mix of juvenile African Cichlids and guppies. The Cichlids are about 1.5 inches, and the guppies are full grown. Anyone have experience with this combo? Worried the Cichlids might get aggressive as they grow.
I'd recommend separating them soon. Even at 1.5 inches, Cichlids can start showing aggression. Guppies won't stand a chance once the Cichlids hit 3 inches.
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:39 am
by Danca89
Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll keep an eye on them and probably move the guppies to another tank if things get tense.
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 10:11 am
by Floralynx
Good call. Cichlids are gonna do what they do best—claim territory. Guppies are better off in a community tank with less aggressive fish. What other tanks do you have running?
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 10:44 am
by mrFluffy
I tried this combo once, and it was a disaster. The Cichlids started nipping at the guppies within a week. Had to rehome the guppies pronto.
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 11:27 am
by AzureHunt
softly wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:12 am
Guppies are chill, but Cichlids can be unpredictable. If you're set on keeping them together, make sure the tank has lots of plants and rocks to break sight lines. What's your water hardness? Cichlids need harder water than guppies.
Agreed. Water parameters are key here. Cichlids thrive in harder, alkaline water, while guppies prefer neutral to slightly hard. Have you tested your water lately?
Re: Cichlid juveniles with guppies
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:22 pm
by MackyD
My buddy kept guppies with Cichlids, and it worked for a while. But once the Cichlids hit 2 inches, the guppies started disappearing. Not sure if they were eaten or just stressed out.