Number of Cichlids in Tank

[Strontium]

My question is, it seems like way more cichlids are kept per tank than the number usually recommended. I know this helps control their aggresive qualities, but it seems to contradict the advice (dogma) about maximum number of fish per gallon or per square inch of surface area. What gives?

:confused:

[wataugachicken]

well, it just means that the owner has to pay special attention to water quality and do water changes more often than they would have to with a more lightly stocked tank. on the other hand, the use of a sump filter for an african tank is a good idea because it increases the available water volume for filtration and waste dilution without increasing the size of the tank.

the "inch of fish per gallon rule" is really only a myth, as you can see from your own example. many things need to be taken into account when stocking a tank - adult size, feeding habits, swmming levels, need for territory, aggression, etc.

[tarheels910]

The inch per gallon rule does not apply to cichlids.

[sploke]

Or any other fish really, other than neon tetra-sizes species.

[jpappy789]

mbunas are just different...plus there really is no magic number of fish per gallon or any other measurement really