Mixing Africans

[Luca Brazzi]

After talking to several people (not on this site). There seem to be many folks out there that dont seem to mind mixing Africans. They claim that if you keep your ph at 8.0, and feed a variety of foods vegetable and protein that all the fish will do fine. One guy has Malawi, Victoria, and Tangs all in one tank.

Whats the opinion here?

[morleyz]

I have mostly malawi but happen to have a frontosa in there as well. pH is 8.2 and everyone is doing well. I keep a varied light diet.

[Faramir]

I prefer not to, because I'm a purist. Care would be needed in matching temperaments as well - Lamp. brichardi with auratus, anyone? :D . I mean this is true within Malawi as well, but the relative temperaments are better known and documented because people are used to trying to mix these fish.

However, I do have a pair of Hap. obliquidens in with them, because I made a mistake and thought they were Malawians - they are actually from Victoria. They are fine. The male doesn't trouble anyone, but if someone starts something, he can finish it.

The female seems to be constantly holding but fry are there none. If I thought the shops would take 'em, I'd seperate her and rear them.

[gregga]

Hey....
I've been mixing the 3 lakes for many years without any problem. With that said, however, special care needs to be taken with temperament, dietary needs and eventual size of the fish. But that can also be said even if you stayed within just one lake.
Some of the purists will also point out that the lakes have differing PH levels, which is true. But IMHO a PH in the low 8's is perfectly suitable for all Rift Lake species. Over the past 7-8 years I have had many, many species thrive, live long lives, reproduce lots of fry and show vibrant colors.
But this is one of those topics that is guaranteed to stir a healthy debate and has been "discussed" many times......HTH....good luck.........Gregg