View Full Version : What cichlids can I get (Not shellies) that can be together safely in a 10gl.
Mantis_22
06-08-2003, 6:18 PM
Same as topic, tank has a ton of hideouts for cichlids. Are a group of small juvinile yellow labs good?
valerie
06-08-2003, 7:13 PM
no other africans do well in 10gal besides shellies. Sure some can be house for a short time while they are juvies but thats about it. Yellows labs get about 4" so they are too big. All mbuna shouldn't be kept in a 10gal since they are territorial and aggresive(even the dwarf mbuna).
If you want africans stick with shell dwellers or get a 55gal.
Mantis_22
06-08-2003, 7:30 PM
If I go the Lab way I know I can have 2 in a 10gl with how much I maintenance my tanks. Are labs agressive? Also This tank in my mind is set only to keep juviniles like you said. Not for long term cichlids :)
Jayhawk
06-08-2003, 9:08 PM
You might want to try a pair/trio of Neolamprologus caudopunctatus. They're listed as shellies in most books and sites, but they prefer rocks and caves to shells just about any day. They spend most of their time out patrolling the tank, and they stay at or just less than 3". Way cool little tanganyikans. I've also known folks who bred Julidochromis transcriptus in 10 gallon tanks, but you have to get a pair and they're really tough on each other when choosing a mate...so 10s can be hard on them.
Finally, I know of folks who've bred the smaller apistos in 10 gallon tanks, and the same with Blue/German rams.
valerie
06-08-2003, 10:50 PM
I kept 2 yellow labs in a 10gal for a few weeks and it didn't go to well. They were only 2" and there were TONS of hinding spaces but they still chased and picked on eachother all the time. Even though yellows labs are considered a less agressive african it is still more aggresive then a regular fish. Plus with only 2 fish their isn't any other fish to divide up the punishment it is getting from the dominate fish. Even 3 in a small space probably won't be enough.
I personally think a 10gal is too small for labs, even short term. But you seem to really want africans and i have a feeling you will get them anyways. That being said, make lots of caves and break up their line of sight. You might end up with fish that are ok or you might end up with aggressive fish,it depends on the fish.
Tightdog1
06-08-2003, 10:52 PM
you could get any of the apistogramma species. they stay fairly small 2" about and are not that aggressive perfect for a 10g.
There are many SA dwarves that would be fine in a 10 gallon tank. Apistos, rams to name a couple. I have a breeding pair of Neolamprologus leleupi in a 10 gallon that keep producing babies constantly.