Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check geographic origin and water chemistry. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare adult size and pair, colony or group structure with livestock needs and recent changes. Look for genuine overlap in water, flow, territory and feeding throughout the year.
Assess compatibility and welfare
Adjust one variable and assess territory, digging and filtration capacity before continuing. Keep a reference so the result can be compared. Plan the complete group and monitor feeding, breathing, injury, shelter and space use.
Do not combine fish simply because both are cichlids; strategies and habitats differ.