Cichlids for my 75g - What kind? How many?

[Cichlids4ever]

OK, First let me say my tank cycled!!!!
Now,

I already started with some Cichlids in my 75g tank and I think I began all wrong.

I have Malawi Cichlids, but I now hear that I should have added more female than male for each species?

So far I have 2 P Kennyi, 2 Electric Blue Ahli, 2 Yellow labs and 2 Snow White Socolfi. The P Kennyi are a male and a female and so are the Electric Blues, but the others I have no clue.

Should I add 2 more of each that I have in hopes of attaining a better male/female ratio, or is what I have OK?
Also, are 8 of what I have enough for a 75g?

So, my question is twofold.
Should I leave it as is because 8 is enough?
If I can add, should I add more of what I have, or can I add other Mbuna?

Thanks!

[DeRo316]

From what I've read the preference is 1m/3f of each. I went with all males which has worked great so far, some others have done the same. No aggression issues and plenty of color. In a 75 I would say you could do up to 20 africans. This is only if you are up for the extra water changes and attention an overstocked tank requires.

[liv2padl]

cichlids from Lake Malawi are polygamous. they are NOT pair formers. you need to get the ratio of males to females to at least 1M + 3F .. and 4F would be better still, otherwise the males are going to harrass the females to death.

[Cichlids4ever]

I have heard of circumstances that these Cichlids will, at times, cross breed, if that is the right terminology for fish.

So, If I just add some more female P. Kennyi (they happen to be the prettier of females I think), then I should be OK?

Or, do they really have to be the same species for a "happy" tank"?


Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated!

[mostlycichlids]

I would go for two more of each species you can do all males the only reason people say 3f to 1m is for breeding purposes. You would be fine with all males but if you already have females I would get 2 more of each species and try to get the 3-1 ratio. You can easily keep 16 malawi cichlids in a 75 gallon without being overstocked. kenyi females are blue males are yellow. Yellow lab males have more black on their fins some more prominate than others. And socofoli are usually blue if not albino if you add more socofoli I would go with non albinos.

[Cichlids4ever]

I would go for two more of each species you can do all males the only reason people say 3f to 1m is for breeding purposes. You would be fine with all males but if you already have females I would get 2 more of each species and try to get the 3-1 ratio. You can easily keep 16 malawi cichlids in a 75 gallon without being overstocked. kenyi females are blue males are yellow. Yellow lab males have more black on their fins some more prominate than others. And socofoli are usually blue if not albino if you add more socofoli I would go with non albinos.

OK, I have one of each of the P Kennyi, that's for sure.
The yellow labs are both males. The black is very pronounced.
My electric Blue Ahli are male and female and the socolofi are albino I can't tell.

One other thing. I was also told I should NOT have Electric Blue Ahli in my tank?
I hear they are not Mbuna, and will battle with Mbuna???
So far they all school together.
What's your opinion on that??
Depending on your answer, I will pick up 2 more of each species providing that the Ahli are compatible. If not, I will get 3 more of everything but the Ahli.
Thanks!

[mostlycichlids]

I think they will be ok providing you have lots of rocky territories the tank is 75gallons so you should be ok. They are from lake malawi and they are compatible with the fish you have. I would say no if the tank was smaller than 75 gallons. You shouldnt have any problems. The Ahli is actually said to be afraid of the mbuma but can hold their own against them you may notice they stay away from the rocks a little so give them some conforting areas. Some pics would be nice when you get it fully stocked. I have similar species in a 55gallon check out my member page. I only have a 2-1 ratio but really have had no problems at all I guess I am lucky.

[Cichlids4ever]

I think they will be OK too.

I am going into town tomorrow to pick up driftwood and some more fish.


Here is what my tank looks like now, plus I will be adding my driftwood for more security for the fish.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q118/Cichlids4Ever/Web75_Gallon-1.jpg

[DeRo316]

They key is plenty of hiding places. For a happy african tank make as many caves as you can.

[aquaman325]

add more females. you should have a 1/3 ratio of males to females.

[Cichlids4ever]

Thanks for your tips folks!

I added 2 female yellow labs and 2 female P Kennyi for now.
I also added a nice driftwood for hiding.

I still have room to add more caves and I will take care of that ASAP.

You know? I noticed this morning just how much bigger the Ahli are getting!
They are growing at a faster pace than the others and are now starting to take over forcing the smaller fish into hiding.

Of course, they all come out when it is feeding time.

They are really awesome fish.
Too bad I didn't know that Ahli don't get along well with Mbuna..
Oh well, we hope for the best:-)

[mostlycichlids]

the ahli may grow a little faster and will get slightly bigger. they are compatible with the mbuma you have the mbuma if any will be the agressors, I would think if there would be any problems it would be with the mbuma harrasing the ahli. BTW nice tank add more caves and that will keep the peace more. Good luck and nice tank again.

[Cichlids4ever]

the ahli may grow a little faster and will get slightly bigger. they are compatible with the mbuma you have the mbuma if any will be the agressors, I would think if there would be any problems it would be with the mbuma harrasing the ahli. BTW nice tank add more caves and that will keep the peace more. Good luck and nice tank again.

Thanks for the tank compliment!
We all work hard on this hobby and it seems we're never done.
I'll be posting more as I get along...

Talk soon!