differentiating between africans...

[tbarblover]

i was wondering how I can tell the difference between the different africans? ihave an established 55 gallon that i have been keeping for about 8 months now, and i would like to get some really colorful cichlids to add to the ten i already have. the problem is that where i live, every store seems to carry the same exact fish and not only do i not know what kind of cichlids they are, but i dont even know how compatible they may be with each other. all i know is that they are african. can anyone help me?

[Candycat21]

Firstly, do you know exactly what type of africans you have now?
Secondly, IMHO your tank is at/over it's limit as to how many fish you can have in there...depending on what types you have that is. I wouldn't add anymore fish to your setup, though you may want to look into getting a larger tank if space and $$ permits you to.
Good Luck and let us know what type of africans you have already :D

[PumaWard]

Before adding anything, you should identify the ones you have.

Can you post pictures of them?

[DeRo316]

I find it better to research a fish you want out of the african family then find a place that has it. In most cases if you tell your LFS what you are looking for they can order it for you. Then you have a fish that you researched and picked out yourself.

And if you have 10 africans in a 55 now then it doesnt sound like you need to add any more, it should fill out nicely when your fish mature + africans get waaaay more color as they grow. If you don't like the ones you have just trade instead of add more, most LFS will be happy to give you credit since they low-ball you.

[tbarblover]

here are a few of the fish that i have:
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
Labidochromis caeruleus
Pseudotropheus estherae

i also believe that the rest of the ones that i have are different color variations of these....i would post pics, but the digital camera isnt cooperating right now.....i realize i may be overcrowded, but i am running two aquaclear 300's and have recently been looking into eheim canisters...oh yeah....i also have a few zebras mixed in here as well one of which is pink and most people think it is albino.....

[liv2padl]

i realize i may be overcrowded not "may" be .. you definitely are. it's got nothing to do with adding more filtration, it has to do with space.