I'm looking into compatible tankmates for some australoheros oblongum / cichlasoma facetus / their name keeps changing (typical of lots of the American cichlids). As best I can tell, they originate from Uruguay (in the wild form) and like or at least tolerate cooler temps.
Anyway, if that info is accurate, some species that come from their area include gymnogeophagus rhabdotus and a few of those related species, e.g. possibly gymnogeophagus sp. Norte. Anyone have experience with these species? Or gymnos in general?
Here's my (current) questions about gymnogeophagus:
1) Do they need a cooldown period like below 65? Or if I just run the tank without a heater is that sufficient? Then crank it up a bit periodically for breeding?
2) Can I do just 1 or 2 in a tank or do they need a larger group? The rhabdotus supposedly max at 6" so if that's true, and they can do 1-2, they might work in a 55 with the pair of oblongum I have currently, or even if I had a few more oblongum.
3) Where can I get them? Not seeing many/any sources, so I was going to keep an eye out at the auctions. I'm guessing since there is little info about them they are more rare and thus probably out of my price range, but worth looking into, I guess.