Did I do something wrong?

[karen99]

I have a 55 gallon tank with some assorted mbuna that I got from a friend (I haven't updated my sig; the tank's been going around 2 months now).
I'm not sure of species, but I think I have two red zebras (possibly a pair), a female Melanochromis johanni, male M. joanjohnsonae, and a mystery fish who looked exactly like a female M. chipokae when I got her but has since changed to an odd muddy yellow brown color (it's about 4" long and isn't showing any sort of blue coloration like a male chipokae however).
The chipokae is clearly the dominant fish in the tank - everyone acts afraid of her - yet I haven't observed any real aggression on her part.
I have two problems with my fish
1) My Melanochromis joanjohnsonae (I'm actually not too sure if that's what he is) usually has bites on him. He's a very dark fish so the little bites where he's missing scales are clearly visible. He's also very timid. The bites seem to heal up quickly on their own. I haven't seen anyone bite him or chase him. I would guess maybe it is the chipokae, because of the species reputation and the fact she's the largest fish in the tank, but I would hate to get rid of her only to find out she isn't the biter.
and
2) Possibly related to me not seeing much aggression, is the fact that these fish are afraid of me. It is hard to watch them because the minute I walk by, everyone hides. At least half the time, I might as well have an empty aquarium for all I can see of my fish. The first day or two I got them, they were very excited and active, but as soon as they chose their territories, that was it. I guess this is not a real problem, but I keep reading how active and interesting these fish are - and mine hide most of the time, and spend most of the time they're not hiding just slowly swimming or drifting about.

I'm wondering if I'm better off leaving things as they are, or adding some more fish. I figure with more fish, I would have more activity in the tank, but also more aggression which I'm trying to avoid. Also, would it be best just to remove the chipokae despite her not acting aggressively yet? I would certainly never have chosen a chipokae myself, but since ended up with her I feel like I should at least try to keep her...

[Buggieboy]

with mbuna and malawi tanks over stocking is better, It helps to bring the fish out of hiding and in to the tank area more. Most malawi do better with larger numbers. I'm putting togeather a 75g malawi,mbuna tank and plan on keeping around 30 fish in the tank to help curve aggrassion and to keep the activatie going and flowing.

[wobble]

I agree. Mbuna tanks are typically overcrowded to get aggression under control. You need to add more fish.

As far as the chipokae, they are one of the most aggressive mbuna, if not the most agressive. They are right there with the auratus, which has a well deserved reputation. Actually, any of the melanochromis species are extremely aggressive. Personally, I wouldn't have a melanochromis in a tank smaller than a 75g.

Also, you mentioned you may have a pair of zebras. Mbuna are not pairing fish. You will likely end up with one in the end. If you want to have multiple fish that are the same species, a ratio of 1 male/2-4 females usually works out.

They are probably affraid of you because there is so much tension inside the tank. When you add more fish, the aggression will be distributed more evenly and there will be less stress in the tank.

[DeRo316]

What kind of filtration do you have planned for the 55 gallon? My malawi tank requires a lot more cleaning and attention than the others just because of the overpopulation issue.

[karen99]

Well, today I finally did get rid of the chipokae. I finally caught her chasing the M. joanjohnsonae so out she went. Of course as soon as she was out, that timid little bitten joanjohnsonae decided he's boss of the tank and is bullying everyone. Maybe he was getting bitten for a good reason. But he's such a little guy that I'm not too worried about him yet.
The chipokae got me credit on another fish. I asked for advice on a medium aggressive fish, and the guy immediately recommended a yellow lab. They had one big, gorgeous brilliant yellow lab who I would have loved to get, but I was afraid that a yellow lab might not get along with my other fish.
I ended up with a male Metriaclima greshakei thinking that he would be similar temperment to my red zebras, while looking different enough to prevent aggression. As to the red zebras, I don't know if they're a pair or if they're two males - one is larger and has more eggspots. If I have problems with them I may sell the smaller one and get a few females. I know more fish may be better but I'm not sure what to get yet.
The tank has 3 aquaclears that are rated 30-60 gallons (I think they're aquaclear 200's). So it is pretty well filtered.
The fish are as terrified of me as ever, but they have a good reason to be now since I was in there with a net for a 1/2 hour catching that chipokae.