Keeping smaller ones with bigger ones

[Tobi260]

Hi all,

as you can see in my last post I probably have four big Hypancistrus contradens males (around 12cm). Now I got three more, but smaller ones with 5cm with hopefully one or two females . At the moment I'm having the smaller ones separated from the others in a 60l tank. Now I'm thinking whether I should put them together or not. Maybe they can grow faster in the smaller tank, but maybe it won't really make a difference. So what would you do? Move them all in one tank or keep them separated to hopefully grow the smaller ones faster?

Thank you for your opinions,
Greetings Tobi

[TwoTankAmin]

I have always worked with my Hypans in groups. I also tend to leave offspring in the breeder tank. I will move them out when there are either too many or if they are ready to be sold.

I have never seen bigger ones pick on or harm smaller ones. However, when it comes to claiming caves and spawning, things can get rougher between the individuals involved. This included my contradens when I was working with them.

In light of the above I would suggest you put them all together as long as the smaller ones have cleared your quarantine period.

[Bas Pels]

Looking at the above answer, you might want to add some small caves, the big fishes cannot enter - but the small ones can.

[CatfishFiend]

I've seen similar done with a kind of screen (a board with a small hole to divide the tank) for use during spawning, which is obviously only temporary but can offer better welfare for your cats than a small cave

[Tobi260]

Just as an update: I did putthem all together and also added small caves where only the smaller ones fit inside. I think it's all fine at the moment.
Thank you for your comments.
Regards Tobi