Lake Tanganyikan style tank?

Tazman

All males will give you the most color but it is also challenging. When I set my 180 I had 4 extra tanks cycled and ready to go in case I had to remove fish. You will need at least an extra tank or easy access to a LFS that will take any fish back that don't work.

The males if you go that route should include NO FISH of similar color, they are co-specific (same color) aggressive, it is their nature.

If you don't go all male then in a 55g yes 1 male to 2-3 females of about 3 species giving you 12 fish in total.

It really does totally depend on what size tank you get...if you can get a 75g it would be ideal for a male-female group of 4 species or a good size for an all male peacock.

These fish will not do well in anything smaller than 55g and with the ratio I mentioned. In a larger tank it is best to aim for 1 male to 4 females.

Another thing to consider is where you will get the fish from...locally or order online?

The biggest concern at the moment ,is you need to know the tank size before I can really give a definitive answer as to what will work and what will not.

krish

Yeah I am going on sunday to our friend's house to find out its size. I think i'm gonna go with the labidochromis, the cynotilapia, and the peacocks. I'm not sure about the ratio of male to female; ill find out this weekend. thanks!

Tazman

I would pick either mbuna (labidochromis, cynotilapia) OR the peacocks NOT both.

labidochromi and the cynotilapia are too active for the peacocks and will stress them out, either causing them to not color up at all or at worst be killed. It can work but in a small tank I would not try it.

Labs would probably be the better option as well over the cynotilapia, sometimes the cynos can be on the more aggressive side. If you stock the labs then a group of 1 male to 4 female, if you add the cyno as well, i would go 1 male to 4 female as well... I would add 1x Bristlenose Pleco to keep algae under control.

Tazman

Find out the tank size and then we can work on the correct stocking level for it.

It will make a big difference if it is smaller or larger than 55g.

krish

ok will do. Thanks!

krish

hi guys,

my friend sprained his back over the weekend, so I didn't go to his house as he was feeling very bad. He says the tank is probably 60 gallons, not 55.

Tazman

No that much difference so stocking will be for a 55g.

krish

wait so i cant put the peacocks and the mbunas? darn it. I knew there was a catch. What do you recommend, Tazman? Peacocks or mbunas?

Tazman

Peacocks are the most colorful and tend to be on the peaceful side compared to mbuna. Males will color up whereas females will remain a drab brownish color. Mbuna are ok, if you went that way, you will have the colors in both male and female but would need the harems (1 male to 3 females)

You can have a maximum of 12 fish in a 55g, look at any of the auloncara except the jacobfreibergi (as this is man made hybrid, commonly called the Eureka Peacock)

If you went with mbuna then I would do (1 MALE to 3 female) of...
Pseudotropheus sp. "Acei"
Labidochromis caeruleus
Cynotilapia afra

krish

I think i'll check our pet stores nearby... i really like both and i want to see what the local stores have to offer. Meanwhile, could you tell me how to feed the two species?