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New 55 gallon tank want CICHLIDS

3K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  adpierin11 
#1 ·
I would like to put some African cichlids in my new 55 gallon. I was just wondering if anyone had some advice about types of cichlids, I generally like the Malawis. I also read that they like to be crowded and for 55G that between 20-25 individuals of 4 different species would be suitable. It seemed like a lot of fish and I just wanted some more opinions or experienced advice rather. Thanks
 
#2 ·
Well, numbers specifically depend on the exact species involved. You could easily have 25 P. demasoni, for example, but likely not even 5 M. lombardoi (kenyi). Were you more partial to mbuna, or haps/peacocks? For mbuna, I'd say a general estimate (again, very much depends on the exact species) would be more like 15-18 or so.
 
#3 ·
africans...

I think I like the mbunas best, I like the blue and yellow. That is what I am going for as a color palette. (my other tank is orange and red) I am also somewhat stuck as to what my lfs carries and they have big tanks of blue and yellow babies labeled "african cichlids", so generic! How can I really tell what I am getting, especially since fry often have different coloration from the adults? 15-18 sounds like a more reasonable number of fish...
Are the cichlids fairly active? All the pictures I see have the fish in all levels of the tank, looks very active and fun. I would also like to consider this when choosing species...
Thank you for your advice. This is a great site and resource for newbies in the fish world...
Tabitha
 
#4 ·
Sometimes it can be difficult to ID young fish in the stores. You could always ask the store if they'll allow you to take a couple pictures of the fish you're interested in, so that you can do some research before buying. Some stores allow this, and the worst they can do is say no. Or you could ask them if they "know" what the species names of the fish are, write them down, and then come back here to see if anyone can translate whatever the store is calling them into an actual species, and look up some photos to see if they match. Lastly, you could ask the store if you're able to bring the fish back in a few days if you purchase them, get them home, and discover they're not what you really want or not suitable for your tank. When you get them home (assuming they'll allow you to trade them back if needed), you can post some pics up and we can take a look at them.

Mbuna are VERY active fish. They never stop moving. Typically they are considered more of a bottom-of-the-tank fish, but they actually do use most of the tank and do use the upper part of it as well.
 
#7 ·
MALAWIS ARE VERY GOOD STARTERS AND REMEMBER NO MORE THAN 2" OF FISH PER GALLON OF WATER AND CONSIDER NOT THE JUVENILE SIZE BUT THE ESTIMATED SIZE AT ADULT STATE WHEN CIPHERING THE AMOUNT OF FISH.....I HAVE SOME NICE FISH I AM SELLING TO CHANGE OVER TO SOME DIFF FISHES AND WILL SEEL THEM CHEAP AND SHIP TO YOU .....TWO NICE LOOKIGN HAP BREEDING PAIRS..AND SOME OTHER SSSORTEDS ABOUT 14 PRETTY MUCH MATURE FISH
BIG COUNTRY
 
#8 ·
Hey i have a 55 gal aquarium and i have 4 angelfish. you can have a few chiclids but i would wait and get new fish and see if they have any problems. If they don't then you will be free to buy (you should buy at least 4 their better in groups) but any quantitie would be fine asides from i wouldn't get much more than 6.

Hope this helps
 
#9 ·
Personally IMO the 2" per gallon rule really doesn't exist. Sorry, but every type of fish is different so to me there is no general rule. Especially with cichlids. With cichlids you almost want it overstocked. The reason you do this is to control the aggression. Because one fish won't be picked on too much when there are 20 other fish to pick on.
I have a 75 gallon and I am planning to slowly add cichlids here and there, but I am looking at about 24 fish. 4 different species and then about 5-6 of each.
I would agree with 15-18 for you in the 55.
And I love cichlids. My little guys come up to the tank everytime I stand in front of it begging for food. It's hard to turn away and not give them anything.
Good luck and have fun!
 
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