Post by barbara on Apr 7, 2009 18:59:56 GMT -5
I've been reading a lot of posts lately, and it seems that the popularity of African cichlids, especially mbuna, is really rising. The amount of coloration, the interesting behaviors, and the mouthbrooding habits of these fish makes for such an exciting tank.
However, with the neat part of Africans, meaning their behavior, comes a downside...all mbuna are aggressive. Period. Even your mild mannered Yellow lab can be a killer to other fish. Most of these species need larger numbers to temper their aggression; as in, they pick on each other, rather than their tank mates. This doesn't always work, however. Keeping 2 or 3 is of a species is generally asking for trouble. Most are better in numbers of 6 or 8, with a heavy dose of females for just a few males.
Doing homework with these species is so vital, to keep a tank full of happy, healthy, thriving fish. Getting a great mix of fish in a proper sized tank can be an explosion of color that rivals salt water tanks, without all of the delicacy and cost. However, not every fish makes a good tank mate for mbuna. They need to be mixed only with each other, and maybe a tough bottom dweller. The aggression level and water perimeters needed for these fish are different than quite a few others that would require softer water with a higher ph.
Most experts suggest a 40 gallon breeder for mbuna, minimum, and that's mixing 2 species at most. A 55 gallon tank would allow for 3 species in their proper numbers, with adequate over filtration.
One mix I've seen suggested, and personally kept in a 55 gallon were, 6 yellow labs, 6 Rusties (Iodotropheus sprengerae) and 6 Pseudotropheus aceis. Gorgeous tank and colors, and enough of each to limit aggression.
However, with the neat part of Africans, meaning their behavior, comes a downside...all mbuna are aggressive. Period. Even your mild mannered Yellow lab can be a killer to other fish. Most of these species need larger numbers to temper their aggression; as in, they pick on each other, rather than their tank mates. This doesn't always work, however. Keeping 2 or 3 is of a species is generally asking for trouble. Most are better in numbers of 6 or 8, with a heavy dose of females for just a few males.
Doing homework with these species is so vital, to keep a tank full of happy, healthy, thriving fish. Getting a great mix of fish in a proper sized tank can be an explosion of color that rivals salt water tanks, without all of the delicacy and cost. However, not every fish makes a good tank mate for mbuna. They need to be mixed only with each other, and maybe a tough bottom dweller. The aggression level and water perimeters needed for these fish are different than quite a few others that would require softer water with a higher ph.
Most experts suggest a 40 gallon breeder for mbuna, minimum, and that's mixing 2 species at most. A 55 gallon tank would allow for 3 species in their proper numbers, with adequate over filtration.
One mix I've seen suggested, and personally kept in a 55 gallon were, 6 yellow labs, 6 Rusties (Iodotropheus sprengerae) and 6 Pseudotropheus aceis. Gorgeous tank and colors, and enough of each to limit aggression.