stocking a 55 tang tank

[linuxrulesusa]

I'm also thinking about paracyprichromis nigripinnis as an alternative to cyp leptosoma utinta, depending on availability. 

My first concern is whether leleupi or julidochromis is going to intimidate the paracyps.  So far, the leleupi mostly stay in the bottom part of the rocks though.  I would add in some nice vertical rocks for the paracyps.  I think I could feed a mix of foods to make sure everyone gets enough.

Another factor is tank size.  It seems paracyps plus cyps in a 55 would probably not work with the rest of my stocking?  Unless I went small groups, e.g. long term a trio or four of paracyps (1M 2-3F) and then a small group of cyps (say 6 - 1M 5F or 2M 4F) of the cyprichromis leptosoma utinta. 

Cost will also be a factor...I'm not sure I want or am able right now to spend $80-100 for a group of paracyps and then another $100-150 for a group of cyps.

The final factor is color/sex ratio on the cyps - if I really need a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio...a small group of cyps won't give me much color.  And I think I would like at least a little.

Who has tried this before?  Cyps + paracyps in a 55?  And/or paracyps + julies and/or leleupi? 

Thanks for any input.

[Ron]

I've seen cyp/paracyp combos, but I don't recall if they were as small as a 55. It'd probably be alright with just those two species.

The problem with adding paracyps to your current julies/leleupi is that they are rock-dwellers too. The footprint of your tank isn't huge and you're looking for a lot of species that fill the same niche. I also think the paracyps are more delicate and would lose out to those other two.

[linuxrulesusa]

I've seen cyp/paracyp combos, but I don't recall if they were as small as a 55. It'd probably be alright with just those two species.

The problem with adding paracyps to your current julies/leleupi is that they are rock-dwellers too. The footprint of your tank isn't huge and you're looking for a lot of species that fill the same niche. I also think the paracyps are more delicate and would lose out to those other two.

After more research I'm strongly leaning either/or, not both cyps & paracyps.  Especially with the other bottom dwellers.

I realize my tank footprint is smaller.  So I'm trying to be careful about what I put in.  The bottom is definitely stocked. But based on what I've observed so far, all the current rock dwellers stay in the bottom half of the rock piles more or less.  So if I put some taller slate pieces, and or build the rock piles higher, I was hopeful the nigripinnis might work.  I suppose I will wait and see what becomes available in the next month and decide between cyps & paracyps.  If the paracyps were not working out, I have at least one friend interested in some, so I'm sure that could work as a backup.  Not ideal for sure, though.

I'll do some more research on the paracyps.

Thanks for the input.

[Ron]

I get what you're saying about stacking the rocks higher, but IME fish try to define territories as a volume of space, which includes upwards. Unless you're stacking rocks to the very top, all 20-21" of tank, I don't see it working out.

FWIW I had a group of ~9 adult paracyps in a 50L and they filled the tank nicely.

[linuxrulesusa]

I get what you're saying about stacking the rocks higher, but IME fish try to define territories as a volume of space, which includes upwards. Unless you're stacking rocks to the very top, all 20-21" of tank, I don't see it working out.

FWIW I had a group of ~9 adult paracyps in a 50L and they filled the tank nicely.

I see what you're saying.  So basically the cyps would do better because they would stay out of the julies/leleupi's way, and vice versa?

[Ron]

I see what you're saying.  So basically the cyps would do better because they would stay out of the julies/leleupi's way, and vice versa?

That is correct. Plus cyps move around a lot more in the open portions of the tank. Paracyps tend to hang out around the rocks.

[jamarini]

In a standard 55 gallon tank (48x18x13) nothing is going to be able to stay completely away from the leleupi who will dominate the tank given the mix Dan is considering.  It's true that cyps will tend to swim in the open water while paracyps will stay closer to structure, paracyps will not stay close to rocks that are on or near the bottom, especially with the julies and leleupis.  They will hang nearer taller structure however.  I use longer slate pieces (about 12-14" long) and one could use long strands of plants (e.g. anacharis, vallisneria) as well, placed along the sides of the tank or the back corners as the kind of structure that allows paracyps to be comfortable. 

Based upon many years of experience raising paracyps and cyps I'd have to say that delicacy isn't the word I'd use to distinguish paracyps from cyps.  Cyps are definitely more aggressive - especially the Jumbo varieties.  Paracyps tend to be far less aggressive and thus often more compatible with other species in a mixed species environment.  Both species could be considered delicate when it comes to shipping or transporting as they don't handle the shock of being confined in bags for long periods of time.

[linuxrulesusa]

Thanks for that input Jim.  I still like the paracyps.  We will see what works out.  I do have some slate and or plants to use.

[Super Turtleman]

Both species could be considered delicate when it comes to shipping or transporting as they don't handle the shock of being confined in bags for long periods of time.

I know this for a fact.     I still have that 1 that survived though Jim.