cichilds fighting

Question
QUESTION:  I have 3 chilids. thay were all the same size about when i got them. Now two have doubled in size I think becauce they chase him away from food. the other two rub each other swim together & chase him together. The big two are six inches& the other is four..The tank is 30Gal. I have alot of plants both live and plastic with two rocks.Do you think I need too remove him. Do you think it could be a sex thing. One last thing can I put the 4 inch chilid in a tank with a KOI the same size? If I need too!!

ANSWER: Hi David,
 I think you mean "cichlids", right?

 It is hard for me to say from here, but I suspect that yes, you may need to remove the smaller one.   

 I am not thrilled with the idea of putting a cichlid in with a koi.  Cichlids generally need warm water (around 80oF) whereas koi are actually cold-water fish.  For that reason, I would be reluctant to mix the two.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Dear Ron
 Thank you 4 answering me soo fast. I already knew about the water temp. I guess I meant about the KOI & cichlid fighting sorry I wasnt more clear.. If I had to put them together it wont be long I'm building a pond..Also I 've heared alot of people say oscars & cichlids are one & the same can YOU put some light on the subject..TKS..

Answer
Hi David,
  Actually oscars are a type of cichlid.  There are many different species of cichlids (over 2300 in fact) and oscars are one of those.

  If the cichlid that you have is an oscar, I definitely wouldn't put it in with a koi.  Oscars are wonderful and interesting but they have a strong desire to eat their tankmates -- that is what oscars do and they are VERY good at it.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>