Cichlids Fighting

austinspeer810

I have a 37 gallon tank with six african cichlids (2 electric blue johannis, 2 electric yellow labs, and 2 tiger cichlids) and yes I have been told that the tank is "to small" for them but I have seen tanks that were successful with african cichlids and only being 37 gallons or less. I have had some of my african cichlids fighting or protecting their spot in the tank recently. How can I fix this issue so they arent always fighting?

92smokeaccord

there might not be enough spots for the fish to take for there territory.

Tracy Bird

You can re-arrange the habitat.

Not sure of your set up, but your keeping Mbuna so it probably (or should) includes rock caves - just build a new design with what you already have in the tank and then there will be no territiories to defend, they'll have to establish new area's.

Previous poster suggests the lack of territiories for all: could be, make sure everyone has an area to "call their own"... With heavy cave/rock structures you might also see a decrease in aggression.

But after all..... they are Cichlids

Post up some images!!! I would love to see your fish....

Tazman

Re - arranging the aquascape can actually sometimes work, although it can also backfire and cause more issues.

The fact you are going to have to be doing this regularly in this tank is something to consider. It is also very stressful for the fish when actually doing the re-arranging.