[kenshi4lyfe]

hi.. i was wondering.. i have (6) 3-4" rbps.. and of course they are a bit skittish.. but i heard that if you put a caribe in there.. then they create a more aggresive behavior within the rbps.. since they are more aggressive themselves.. would this be possible? like be in the same shoal? or would one just each the other? and i have a 60 g tank.. thanks..

 

[BadassRhomb]

Yes, but you will eventually have to get a bigger tank

 

[phensway]

its almost recomended that put a caribe with a shoal of reds to make them more aggressive, but a 60 gallon with 7 fish could push the limit

 

[kenshi4lyfe]

kewl.. thanks.. i'll take that into consideration..

 

[RhomZilla]

Also, what size Cariba were you thinking about putting in with your Reds? Size matters, cause 1 Cariba doesnt change your whoile shoal. Plus you dont want your Cariba to start thinking he's a red also.

 

[kenshi4lyfe]

then how big and how many caribes would be enough to make the shoal of 6 (3-4") rbps more aggresive?

 

[MPower]

You will need a bigger tank soon with 7 p's. Caribe and Reds work quite well.

 

[RhomZilla]

2 Caribas would be sufficient. But like most replies, your main concern is getting a bigger tank for the momment. YOu might want to consider a 100 gal for all the RBs you have right now.. but a 125-150 gal if you're def gonna get the Caribas in the future.

 

[SnowCichlid]

All good advice guys, there is not really a 100% sure answer, so good luck :

:

 

[kenshi4lyfe]

how much bigger should my caribas be compared to my rbps? should they be a couple inches larger or the same?

 

[Judazzz]

I think you just have to be a little more patient with your reds: at that size, they are often pretty skittish.
What you could do is upping the water temperature a little (don't know what the current temperature is) to get make them a little more active, placing the tank in a high traffic area, and just sitting in front of the tank, having some quality time with your fish (they need to get used to human presence around them, and that takes time...) Also, adding some hiding places makes them feel more confident as well.
Lastly, the tank size itself can make them feel uncomfortable as well: six reds in a 60 gallon is already pushing the limits, and cramped fish often don't feel at ease (remember: a redbelly shoal, no matter how peaceful it looks, is always in a state of cold war, with the fish always being suspicious of each other's movements and 'motives'!) The bigger the tank size, the more comfortable and daring they'll eventually will be.

 

[Mr. Hannibal]

Get a bigger tank and buy 2-3 Caribas!

You won´t regret!

 

[o snap its eric]

i have 2 reds and 1 cariba. the reds are definitly more agressive ever since the cariba was there. my cariba is about 1-2 smaller than them but he doesnt have crap from anyone. he even bites back at the RB that messes with him. i like him a lot!

 

[kenshi4lyfe]

koo.. thanks alot guys.. yeah.. i just got my 60 g tank.. so i think i'll get those caribas later.. but for sure.. i'll get to that when i get a bigger tank.. thanks again..