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Yellow Labidochromis or swordtail?

3K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  iamntbatman 
#1 ·
Does anyone here have these types of fish? If so, what do you think of them? What are the ups and downs of them. I am thinking about adding these to my tank, they seem to be compatible with their PH level, and dgH level needs as well as temps. It says they are both peaceful fish and the Labidochromis is a mid/bottom and the Marigold swordtail is a top/middle fish which might be nice to make the tank appear more active. What are your thoughts?
 
#2 ·
I do not have any experience with these fish, but I think the Labidochromis you are referring to is of the cichlid species... I believe they should be kept with similar Mbuna fish, and should be kept in a longer tank so they have ample swimming space.

I would wait for someone with some more experience to weigh in, but my initial thought is that they shouldn't be mixed with eachother....
 
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#4 · (Edited)
I actually think it could work if swordtails were adult size. Labidochromis would no doubt consume swordtail fry, but then so will adult swordtails. Swordtails in my expierience are much more of a problem when trying to keep more than one or two males in same tank. I don't believe yellow labs would seek out swordtails and it may be worth the effort or try.
Would however place swordtails in the tank first, and be sure to keep top closed for swordtails are very good jumpers.
Would also note that swordtails prefer cooler temps with 78 degrees f being about maximum.
 
#5 ·
Hm, alright. That gives me something to think about at least. When I looked them up, they seemed compatible from the "numbers and figures" standpoint. I was also excited to find 2 species that would better "fill" the tank as far as swimming activity. I will keep looking. :-D
Any thoughts on having one blood parrot in the tank with other fish?
 
#6 ·
Hm, alright. That gives me something to think about at least. When I looked them up, they seemed compatible from the "numbers and figures" standpoint. I was also excited to find 2 species that would better "fill" the tank as far as swimming activity. I will keep looking. :-D
Any thoughts on having one blood parrot in the tank with other fish?

Sorry, zero knowledge or expierience with blood Parrots.
 
#7 ·
Darn! Once again I am getting mixed messages. The website I looked at describes the Labidochromis as " Relatively peaceful" but when I spoke to the lady at the fish store, she said I would have to add African Cichlids or Aggressive fish to co-habitate with them because they are so aggressive. They get to be just the right size and they are pretty little fish. IMO

Anyone else have any thoughts on either of these species?
 
#8 ·
Well, like I said the African rift lake cichlids (like the yellow labs) are most often kept in biotope tanks with other cichlids from the rift lakes, and possibly some species of rift lake catfish. I don't think it's too common for people to have these kinds of fish in community tanks for a number of reasons: aggression issues, water parameter incompatibility (livebearers like swordtails do like that hard water, though), decor differences (the cichlids like plain rock and sand while community tanks often have driftwood and plants), dietary differences (mbuna need a veggie-heavy diet but are pigs and will gobble up meaty foods meant for other fish, leading to bloat).

That's not to say it's impossible to keep them with "unusual" tankmates, but you might not come across people who have even tried such a mix who would be able to offer advice.
 
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