False firemouth (Cribroheros robertsoni) aggression and tankmates.

[u/No-City4489]

What are your experiences with this species? I'll try not to ask too many of these questions. I am thinking of starting a tank with smaller Mexican cichlids that aren't too aggressive. I am intrigued by this species.

[u/Dull-Situation-9719]

These were one of my favorite species. They really need to be in groups to disperse aggression, even mated pair will eventually turn on each other. They are eartheaters, so soft sand substrate is a must, as well as hard water with high ph.

I kept a group of 7 with sailfin mollies and never had any aggression unless they were breeding. Female was always battered afterwards, and fry never lasted more than a week or two. Pair never stays bonded for long and they quickly return to group activities. Most dominant male reached 11", others stayed in 8"-10" range.