Publication2 med aquascape Publication1cs complete | Page 220

If we are to keep them in a community display
tank, then careful consideration should be taken
when choosing compatible species. Although
A. trimaculatus live sympatric in different habi-
tats with A. macracanthus, Parachromis mon-
taguensis and Paratheraps zonatus, I wouldn’t
personally mix these species together, but only in
the largest display aquariums! However, small to
medium sized cichlids would be quite suitable.
Some suggestions for biotope correct species
could be Cryptoheros nigrofasciatus, Cryptoheros
spilurus and Astatheros longimanus. All are quite
suitable and should be added together to estab-
lish pecking orders. If biotope correct species
aren’t your thing, then other small to medium
sized cichlids can be used. I believe you will see a
reduction in A. trimaculatus notorious aggressive
behaviour, if they perceive themselves as the
dominant fish without too much competition. Of
course spawning pairs will possibly bring other
problems to the community tank.
Biotope correct dither fish could be a problem
due to predation, however, shoals of large disc
characins have noted to be quite suitable and
able to deter unwanted interactions from large
predatory cichlids.
If you can find pure stock, I highly recommend
keeping them in a large community or as a show-
piece pair in a large aquarium.
An adult female displaying the beginnings of
pre-spawning colouration
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