could 2 african chiclids be kept in a ten gallon tank?

Question

could 2 african chiclids live in a ten gallon tank? one guy at my pet store said they could.

Answer 1

It depends on what kind of cichlids they are. Most will not tolerate another cichlid (or fish) in a tank that small. There are some of the dwarf varieties that can cohabit in a 10g, but you have to be careful to not get two males (or in some cases two females) because they will rid the tank of the others.

Email me if you have more questions, I will be glad to help if I can. Find out what species they are and I can be more specific on their behavior.

Answer 2

NO! Please don't do that. In the end you'll have one African cichlid. UNLESS you are asking about dwarf shell dwellers. A pair (M/F) may get along in a 10 gallon but 20 would be better. As for the mbuna (what you see in the "assorted" or "mixed" tank). No way. Even if they were the same species. You need ratios of 1M 2-3F to spread the aggression around. Haps, well most of them just get too big (like a foot long). Peacocks also get too big (around 5 inches). Your pet store guy is full of it and just trying to make a sale. Once your fish die, you'll be back for more, or for meds or something else. That's how they get you. African cichlids need a minium of 55 gallons and sllight over stocking (mbuna) and cover (like rocks). In a 55 gallon you can have about 10-15 depending on species. I have 20 in a 75 gallon tank (with 2 filters running).

Answer 3

Aquariums of any size can house cichlids. Smaller tanks (10-20 gallons) are appropriate for raising fry or maintaining and breeding smaller fish (e.g. "Lamprologus" stappersi , Julidochromis ornatus, etc...). Small aquariums limit the variety and number of fish that may be kept. A 29/30 aquarium gallon is the smallest practical size for a cichlid community. This size aquarium is suitable for many cichlid species and may support several different varieties. The standard 55 gallon aquarium is probably the best all-purpose aquarium size available for cichlids. Larger aquariums have greater stability in water quality and are able to support a larger total biomass by providing more space for cichlids which can be very territorial.

Answer 4

NO. Bad idea for several reasons.

1. Just because they are small when you get them, does not mean they will stay small. Most African Cichlids will grow to 6 inches or more, making even one unsuitable for a 10 gallon tank.

2. Territory issues--they will fight constantly because the tank is too small for them to establish their own territories.

Please don't buy these fish for your tank, they are extremely unsuitable for a 10 gallon!

Answer 5

If they are small that is about two inches or slightly more then yes. get a aerator and filter that is a absolute necessity.