Melanochromis auratus

[mostlycichlids]

I personally think M. auratus, Metriaclima. lombardoi(kenyi), M. crabro, and M. chipokae, should not be as readily available as they are. They are sold so often to beginners and are very aggressive fish. I mean where are the I. sprengerae (rusties) and Ps. saulosi? I can never find those peacseful and lovely fish at the fish store

That's my rant lol

I have to agree with that 100%

 

[KarlTh]

You guys think they are really that nasty?

Yes

IMO Kenyi are more nasty than these guys. They are aggressive but their aggression is over rated. My Kenyi males will attack my hand every time I put it in the tank. That is my two cents.

Kenyi being even nastier does not detract from auratus being very nasty. Anything which will kill fish three times its size is pretty nasty.

 

[mostlycichlids]

Yes



Kenyi being even nastier does not detract from auratus being very nasty. Anything which will kill fish three times its size is pretty nasty.

Well you got to look at what size tank they are going in too. Given enough territory they will be less apt to being that territorial. Sure I do agree with you if you are trying to house them in a 55g or even a 75g they can be that nasty. A lot of novice fish keepers will try and successfully keep them in 55g tank...Which is fine but IMO a tank too small. I have four of them in a 120g with other tank mates including Kenyi and Bumblebee, they are really not that aggressive in my experience.

I believe it is do to the tank size and the amount or rock work I have in there for the fish to retreat. In fact the Kenyi aggression has gone down sense I moved them from the 75g. Therefore given space they are less aggressive given space. The problem is most Mbuna are classified as aggressive.....If you keep them space should be given and IMO a 120g should be provided if tankmates are going to be present.

 

[KarlTh]

Fair comment; I've never had room (or the money) for anything larger than a 55.