Substrate, Filtration all good - and tank is looking great
So here are my questions....
1. Since the Rustys are fairly peaceful could I do 3 or 4 males instead of 1:4? I ask because the females are just kinda grey & I would only be able to have 1 with the colors I really like.
I really would not, although they are about as mild as mbuna get, they are capable of decent level of aggression. That said, I'm going on general principles here, and not from experience.
2. Is there any problem with mixing color variations of the same species? I would like some yellow tail & white tail Acei.
There is none at all, subject as always to the personality of the individual fish. Go for it unless you are particularly worried about hybrid colouration (in fact I don't know what yellow fin plus white fin acei would produce - I suspect you would get either one or the other as opposed to hybrid colours).
3. I saw Met. Greshakei (albino) at bluegrass aquatics and really love it but no other photos look like that one. (
Here is the link to the one I like) Is that not a typical color for these fish? Are the females ALL white?
I can't find any that look like that either. If you want all white albinos do Pseudotropheus Socolofi - beautiful 'pearly blue' glow is the best way I can describe them. I prefer them to greshakei, but personal choice there.
4. I really want a patterned dark blue species too, prefer irregular patterns. Examples - Male Johanni, male Met. Mosobo "deep" OR like Demasoni OR Kenyi (flipped male/female coloring). I want it to be monomorphic OR the female has the blue coloring to get the most out of it. Any compatible suggestions?
Cynotilapia Afra are dimorphic but some species have blue females, but less vivid than male afras. Nice fish though.
Why not just have the johanni. The females become more 'male' looking as they mature.
Lastly, I am going to probably purchase all my fish at a local fish show at the end of October, my first show. Can I add all the juvies at once? (with a properly cycled tank of course) Can someone recommend a good book to bring with me for IDing Mbunas? Any tips for a first timer would be appreciated!
Yep you can add all of 'em at once - best way to do it in fact, with your fully cycled tank.
Hmmm...Yep I know the book for you - Cichlids The Pictorial Guide" by Pablo & Ian Tepoot and it is
stunning. I have volumes 1 and 2 which I believe has marvellous pics of all the fish you mention. I think volumes 3 and 4 focus even more primarily on rift lake.
If anyone is interested the tank itself is pretty much finished, the link is my my signature.
Looks great
