Bottom Feeder

[Dakotax]

I know I have been asking alot of questions lately but this is what forums are for.

What is the best "bottom-feeder" to put in with my cichlids?

[Coler]

generally synodontis catfish or a bristlenose plec...neither however are necessary.

Is this for the 40g ? Can you set out the stocking you have already ? I think I saw some melanochromis johanni, melanochromis auratus, and an aulonocara in your other threads, and that you have fry. The 40g is not ideal for this mix of malawis.

How much of each/what else do you have in there ?

[Weezer]

We have both in the 80 as what coler described.........and a little albino cat and BN in the 29....:)

[Dakotax]

here is exactly what I have in my tank right now.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Dakotax/IMG_1924.jpg
X 1

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Dakotax/IMG_1959.jpg

X 1 (this is the one fish i'm trying to ID)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Dakotax/IMG_1967.jpg

X 1

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Dakotax/IMG_1968.jpg

X 1 (this was the female that was brooding)(Can someone ID her for me, I forget the name of her)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/Dakotax/IMG_1964.jpg

X 4 (these are the four small babies that I got)

That is my entire stock as of now.

[Weezer]

Female blue peacock......:)

[Dakotax]

Female blue peacock......:)

Thank you. What about the Orangish one?

[Weezer]

Like this.....

[Coler]

first one is melanochromis auratus, second one melanochromis johanni, third one is a peacock (aulonocara species) which I though was a jacobfreibergi but I don't think so know that I see his colours better.

fourth one (female holding) I don't know...Weeser - do you know the latin name of your blue peacock ?

the babies have aulonocara type eyes and body shape...not sure what they are.

Now, your auratus is a potential problem. They're exceptionally aggressive as they mature (the males will also lose that nice colouration and turn more and more black and murky yellow) and are regarded as potential tank killers, even in a very large tank. The johanni is also a very aggressive little fish. You may find the peacocks find it tough as time goes on - they are much more docile than the mbuna. Mind you I have some aulonocara in with mbuna in my own tank (not good practice) and the peacocks ignore the mbuna and vice versa...but my mbuna are amongs the most peaceful kinds.

What are the dimensions of the tank ? It didn't look very long in your pic. The most important dimensions for a tank of territorial fish is length - to allow space for territory forming.

You could try a synodontis multipuncatus catfish or a bristlenose plec (considering the auratus I would do the syno) in there. But I would have concerns over your stock in the medium to long term as the auratus and johanni mature and the rest of your young'uns get bigger.

[Weezer]

Here's a little more info on the second one, its the male version, It looks like they prefer a little higher........:) ph.....http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=891&N=0

[jm1212]

wouldnt add any bottom feeders to your tank, especially if your cichlids are breeding.