Tank size for Neolamprologus brichardi?

[LindaD]

I was thinking about setting up a tank in the near future for some brichardi. But... Can they be kept in pairs? Or are groups better?.. male/female ratio? Also what their max size. From what I've read thus far it states 4 inches. I'm not sure if that's correct. What tank size would be minimum for a pair or group?

Thanks.

[optix]

max size is about 4 inchs and a pair can be successfully kept and bred in a 20+gallon. the young will help raise the next generation so they make great parents as well.

[ChilDawg]

I'd start with six juvies...put them in a 30 or 40 and let them pair off. The "Princess of Burundi" is a much sought-after fish, so you should find a taker for the others...and this way they won't clear out the current young in order to have a new batch.

[jimbo]

They are best kept as a group in a 45 gal minimum.
Besides rocky caves make sure you put some big shells in your tank.

Jimmy

[VoodooChild]

As long as you took out the subsequent fry and didn't let the "family" relationship to develop a 10 would probably work.

[ChilDawg]

I'm hesitant to recommend a 10 gallon for two cichlids that will eventually obtain 6-8" of length combined between the two of them...even if they are relatively slim-bodied.

[LindaD]

Thanks :) One more question... How quickly to these guys grow?

I have a 46g bowfront that is home to a juvi oscar for now. But I'll need to upgrade for him pretty soon. He's currently 4 inches. So the brichardi will get the 46g to themselves after I move the oscar out. I'm not sure when the new tank is coming.. I'm looking for something used. But I probably won't have the cash for another 3-4 months.

But I was thinking about getting them small and starting them in a 10g. Would this work?

[ChilDawg]

I hesitate to say that a 10g is a good idea. They're pretty susceptible to poor water quality. If you have a 20g, it would be okay for a few months.