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Moliwe Pair in 20 Gal tall tank?

842 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  GrplvDanny
I plan on getting a pair of Moliwes when I set up my tank, But I was curious as to know if I could keep them in my 20 gallon tank happily. I would also like to house a school of Harlyquin Rasboras, does anyone have suggestions and concerns for me before I set this all up? I was thinking, about 6-8 rasboras? I do plan on doing a planted tank with plenty of hiding spaces. Any help would be appreciated!!:smile2:
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Is Moliwes actually Mollies or is it Malawi?
Probably neither: Pelvicachromis kribensis (fka taeniatus) "Moliwe." I think they'd be fine in a 20. I've kept them and Lobe in fairly small tanks. Keep the temps low, no warmer than 75F.
I'd get some tetras (preferably from Africa) rather than rasboras. They should be fine in a 20, but I'd definitely watch their aggression towards each other. You may have to remove one or the other at some point.
Thank you all so much!!

I'd get some tetras (preferably from Africa) rather than rasboras. They should be fine in a 20, but I'd definitely watch their aggression towards each other. You may have to remove one or the other at some point.
Okay, thank you!! I'm hoping they will get along, but you never know!

Probably neither: Pelvicachromis kribensis (fka taeniatus) "Moliwe." I think they'd be fine in a 20. I've kept them and Lobe in fairly small tanks. Keep the temps low, no warmer than 75F.
Pelvicachromis kribensis. I've heard they are considered peaceful cichlids for the most part.
Thank you!!

I'd get some tetras (preferably from Africa) rather than rasboras. They should be fine in a 20, but I'd definitely watch their aggression towards each other. You may have to remove one or the other at some point.
Do you think Colombian redfin tetras would be a good choice?
Do you think Colombian redfin tetras would be a good choice?
I'm assuming you mean Hyphessobrycon colombianus, the Red/Blue Colombian Tetra as they are known to me? If so, probably not. They get 1.5-2" large and would make a very quick meal out of any fry you potentially have. The size plus aggression for a 20 gallon is a little steep, in my opinion.

Source: I have a school of 10 in my 55 gallon tank that I got when they were barely an inch, and now they take up pretty much the middle third of that tank (i.e. 20 gallons lol).

Typically great dither fish are Pencilfish, which are South American, but if you don't care about region, then they are usually perfect. Small mouths and shy nature mean they won't threaten fry.
I'm assuming you mean Hyphessobrycon colombianus, the Red/Blue Colombian Tetra as they are known to me? If so, probably not. They get 1.5-2" large and would make a very quick meal out of any fry you potentially have. The size plus aggression for a 20 gallon is a little steep, in my opinion.

Source: I have a school of 10 in my 55 gallon tank that I got when they were barely an inch, and now they take up pretty much the middle third of that tank (i.e. 20 gallons lol).

Typically great dither fish are Pencilfish, which are South American, but if you don't care about region, then they are usually perfect. Small mouths and shy nature mean they won't threaten fry.
Thank you! This is all very good to know!
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