I have a cichlid fish given to me by a coworker who wanted his cichlids out of his community tank for obvious reasons.
He gave me two, now I have one.
He's great - really curious and friendly and intelligent as fuck for a fish.
His tank is decked out just the way he likes it and he's glorious and happy and colorful and healthy.
What else can I do to make the little guy happy?
He's alone in the tank right now.
Would he enjoy a pretty female companion?
Or would he just get sexually frustrated if she doesn't want to mate and beat the shit out of her? I've heard of that happening.
Or would I end up with a million baby cichlids?
Is there any way to have a mated pair but prevent them from successfully making babies?
Also would he enjoy having some agile, hyperactive top-tank dwellers to chase around?
I don't want him to get bored or lonely. And whatever other fish I put in the tank, I want him to remain the alpha dominant fish.
Was thinking about rummynose tetras, or tiger barbs, if I do get more fish for him. Suggestions would be appreciated - the fish will just have to be a species that are faster than the cichlid, naturally hyperactive so they won't get stressed if he chases them, and have compact fins so they won't be too badly damaged if he manages to nip them a bit. Freshwater, and 75-80 degree farenheit fish