Large Aequidens and Brochis Splendens

[jac]

Not really a Callichthyidae question but more related to large Cichlids.. But I'll give it a shot here.

Yesterday evening we were sitting on front of my 3.00-80-80 South America tank. Just enjoying the quiet painting in front with a drink and a snack.



When suddenly my large Aequidens Herrera Jenaro male shot trough the tank, Brochis Splendens flying all over the tank. When I looked again I saw the Aequidens had a Brochis in his mouth!!! I had never seen this before. I did notice the Aequidens is getting more territorial and parades the tank the whole day.... In slight panic I had to catch the Aequidens because the Brochis was stuck in his mouth. It was still alive luckily!!!! I know Loricariidae will jam themselves in a cave when disturbed, so I thought the Brochis would do so too. When I had the Aequidens I could get the Brochis out and both were released again in the tank.

But my question is now, will large Aequidens eat smaller fish like Brochis Splendens?? Or was this a one off, kind of a mistake? I can imagine that when the Aequidens wants to shoo away the Brochis with his mouth open and a Brochis rushes out the wrong way it shoots up in his mouth.. Could this be a theory? I don't know if I can keep the Aequidens now.... They have been in the tank together now for a year without problems.

Here some pictures of the key players...

Aequidens Herrera Jenaro, well over 25cm


The Brochis Splendens, around 5-8cm


Thanks in advance..

[Roland]

Beatufull Aequidens Herrera Jenaro
If the Brochis goes into the mouth of the Ae. He might eat them. From what You say, It sounds like the Ae. are going to spawn. And then I`m not sure this is a good connection

[johni]

Hi!

I only can tell you that I have had Aequidens metae (15cm) together with some Otocinlcus sp.
All the Otocinclus were eaten.

Greetings,
Hannes

[Kif]

Off the subject but great looking tank.

[jac]

Ok, something to think about. Thank you Johni.