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Hey, just a question about Jewel Cichlids. I've got a 40 gallon breeder tank with some existing fish - Opaline Gourami at 4.5 inches, RTBS at 3 inches, and a Leopard Ctenopoma at 2.25 inches. Recently added a 2 inch kribensis and a 2.5 inch Jewel Cichlid.

Always been interested in getting a Jewel Cichlid, but their aggression put me off. Two days in and everyone's getting along pretty well. My RTBS does chase the kribensis every now and then, though. Keeping a close eye on the Jewel, worried he might just snap and go after the others. He's only intimidated by my Gourami, gets along fine with everyone else.

Will this mix work in the long run? I've read that Jewels get more aggressive as they grow. Also thinking of adding Roseline sharks - would that work? Any suggestions for suitable tankmates would be great.

Honestly, I gotta say, I'm a bit skeptical about this mix working out in the long run. The tank size is a major concern - 40 gallons just isn't enough space for most of these species, and some of them shouldn't even be in the same tank.

I'm not entirely convinced a 3-foot tank is insufficient space for these fish, considering most max out at 6 inches. The Ctenopoma, I've read, can reach up to 8 inches but usually stays around 6.

I'm not overly concerned about the tank size, to be honest. Having kept a 6-foot tank for 2 years, I'm confident in my ability to upgrade if needed. My main worry is the Jewel Cichlid's aggression as it grows. It's the only fish in my tank I've never kept before, and that's what's got me a bit apprehensive.

I concur with the assessment that this mix won't work in the long run. Jewel Cichlids have a notorious reputation for turning aggressive as they mature, and I fear your Opaline Gourami and RTBS may not be able to withstand their wrath.

I'm not overly familiar with the Ctenopoma, although I do know they have specific requirements, but I don't have personal experience with them.

I've often found myself putting in the effort to craft a detailed response, only to be met with a hasty "thanks, but I'm doing this anyway" type of answer, which can be frustrating and feel like a waste of time.

Rob has dealt with the Jewel, so let's focus on the other fish. Combining gouramis with cichlids isn't a good idea, as they share similar temperaments. It's generally not recommended to mix two different cichlid species, except in specific cases like African rift lake cichlid tanks. The same principle applies to combining cichlids with gouramis - either should be the "centrepiece" with suitable "dither" fish added.

The Ctenopoma is an anabantid, like gouramis, but it really needs its own space to thrive. A tank with a minimum capacity of 55 gallons (4 feet) is required, with the Ctenopoma as the centrepiece. This fish typically reaches six inches, but can grow up to eight inches, and is an ambush predator that will eat smaller fish. It might hold its own with the gourami, provided the surface is thick with floating plants that have root masses to break up the space, but I would not recommend this in less than a 4-foot tank, even then with some reservations.

The Red Tailed Shark is also a fish that requires a minimum tank size of 4 feet, with no other substrate fish. While the small juveniles in fish stores seem harmless, they can become quite aggressive as they mature to their expected five inches. Sedate fish like gouramis and Ctenopoma are not suitable tankmates. Given its behavior in captivity, ichthyologists believe that the Red Tailed Shark likely lived in solitude in the wild, except when spawning.

I hope this helps clarify things.

Thanks for all the responses - I really appreciate the advice and consider it valuable. I was joking about doing this anyway, but I do take your concerns seriously.

My Jewel Cichlid seems to be getting along with everyone in the tank, but I'm starting to think it might be best to set up a separate tank for him in the future. My main concern is that he might attack my Ctenopoma, which seems defenseless apart from the spines behind his eyes.

I'm also a bit worried about the compatibility between my RTBS and Kribensis - I've kept them together before and they often chased each other, which is happening again now. However, there's no visible damage, so that's a positive sign.

I've had success keeping a 4-inch RTBS with a 4-inch Gourami in a 55-gallon tank in the past, and I've also kept a 5-inch RTBS with Synodontis without any issues. Perhaps the RTBS isn't as aggressive towards larger, more assertive fish. I've also kept a 5-inch RTBS with Cichlids in a 6-foot tank without any problems.

I did read about someone's experience with Ctenopoma and Gourami not getting along, but mine seem to be fine for now. However, I might have to choose between the Gourami and Ctenopoma in the future, and also between the RTBS and Kribensis.

If I do set up a separate tank for my Jewel Cichlid, I was thinking of adding some Convicts, Salvini, or Paratilapia Polleni as tankmates. I've kept the Polleni before, and they can be quite aggressive.

I appreciate your willingness to listen, a trait that sets you apart as a responsible aquarist. I'd like to expand on a couple of points from your last post.

The issue with "chasing" and "no visible damage" goes beyond the physical signs we can see. We often overlook the chemical signals that fish release, which can have a profound impact on their behavior. Pheromones and allomones are used for communication, territorial dominance, and aggression, and can weaken a fish to the point of death without any physical interaction.

It's crucial to thoroughly research a fish and assume it will behave according to its species norms, rather than experimenting with the hope that it might be an exception. The environment plays a significant role in shaping a fish's behavior, and factors like tank size, the number of fish, aquascape, lighting, and water parameters can all impact its temperament.

I strongly advise against risking a fish's life for the sake of experimentation. When you bring a fish into your care, you take on the responsibility for its life, and I believe that's a serious commitment. I've had to euthanize fish in the past, and it's not an experience I care to repeat.

I consider stress signs too, and check for unnatural behavior in my fish. It's stressful for me when they're not getting along, so I try to resolve the issue. I recently returned the Kribensis as it was constantly nipping at my Gourami and Jewel Cichlid, and also fighting with my RTBS. The tank is peaceful now, but I'm still unsure whether to return the Jewel or set up a new tank for it.

I take care to maintain optimal water conditions by over-filtering, doing weekly 25% water changes, and underfeeding slightly. I don't think I'm experimenting with my fish, but rather, I believe some fish have unique temperaments or are more tolerant of other fish. For example, some of my male Bettas can tolerate neptunes, while others can't. If someone else has successfully kept certain fish together, I might try it out, but I'll be very vigilant.

I'm an animal lover and hate to see them suffer. I even catch flies and spiders in my room and release them elsewhere. I liked your signature, and it's sad to see unhappy fish in pet stores, like Bettas in dirty cups. My Betta now swims happily in its own 5-gallon tank, and I'm glad I could provide a better life for it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on fishkeeping – I'm always eager to learn more about this hobby.