When to introduce Juvies into the Main Tank?

[Andrew Puhr]

I have a 75 gallon aquarium of adult Chindongo Saulosi all around the same size (3.5 - 4 inches). I have juveniles in a separate grow out tank. They are currently about 1.5 inches. Is it safe to introduce them into the 75 or should I wait until they are a bit larger? I was planning to redecorate the tank with cichlid caves and additional rock work to provide more hides but I didn't want to spend the time to grow them out if they will be killed right away

[TheSwissAquarist]

@Zenzo has a large colony of these on the go. 

[Rube_Goldfish]

On 3/14/2023 at 2:24 PM, Andrew Puhr said:

I have a 75 gallon aquarium of adult Chindongo Saulosi all around the same size (3.5 - 4 inches). I have juveniles in a separate grow out tank. They are currently about 1.5 inches. Is it safe to introduce them into the 75 or should I wait until they are a bit larger? I was planning to redecorate the tank with cichlid caves and additional rock work to provide more hides but I didn't want to spend the time to grow them out if they will be killed right away

I have a similar question about a Corydoras sterbai juvenile that's also about a third of the length of the biggest fish in the main tank (a male Apistogramma cacatuoides, in my case). And I know exactly what you mean; maybe it's fine, but it's been all this time growing him up that I don't want to throw him into the danger zone, but how do you know? I'll be watching this thread closely! Please let us know whatever you end up doing.

[Theplatymaster]

@Andrew Puhr@Rube_Goldfish

the general rule is if it doesn't fit in a fish's mouth, it should be safe.

however this rule was definitely crafted around community fish, like danios,and cories,and livebearers.

ACs being more aggressive, i dont know how it would play out.

@Andrew Puhri think as long as your tank has plenty of hiding spots, and you make sure the fry get food (simple as sprinkling in a few pellets in the back, a few times a week) you should be good, as long as the abovementioned rule is followed.

[Rube_Goldfish]

@Andrew Puhr I am not familiar with the species you're working with, so I'm just spitballing here, but whenever you do decide to introduce them, it might help to do so after the lights turn off, to give the juvies a better shot at finding cover.