Purple Mbuna

[BobDole]

ok, I just turned my tank into a african tank. I have it all set up temp up to 81 and PH currently at 8.1 so its all set for a african tank so I traded my fish in at my LFS for a Purple Mbuna:

its in a 29g right now (It just looks huge in the pic cause I am zoomed in) its about 3-4'' long and I was wondering if I can put anything else in with him/her (havn't sexed it yet) or if I should just keep that one fish, I gotta say one think though, it is a digging machine! there are some big holes in the sand in my tank.

 

[xhibition]

how big is the tank?

 

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

A 29 gallon is on the small side for Malawi cichlids. With that guy, i think its a Melanochromis vermivorus, but could be another sort of Melanochromis, i would not add any other fish. These guys can be pretty aggressive, and as you can tell by his digging behaviour he's claimed the tank as his own. I wouldnt even add females in a tank that small, they'd be beat up in no time.

Also, 81 is a bit high. Maybe bring it down a tad, I have my tanks set between 77-78F.

If you wanted more fish then i suggest upgrading to a 55 gallon tank.

-Diana

 

[vilhelm]

For sure is a melanochromis....I pass on vermivorus...I think is a M.chipokae..more common...and...he is a digging machine:for sure!

 

[cichlidbitten2]

your mbuna

this fish will get 6-8 inches, better to put other lake victoria africans with it, there are several small africans which you can choose from just remember 1 inch of fish per gallon but if you go with more aggressive fish better spread the spacing out a little. I do have a Pleco in with my mbuna and although he gets a little picked on he is fine.

 

[Scottish_Sara]

I would NOT put ANY Victorian's in a tank that size!!!!!!

If you want more Cichlid i would have to agree that you need a bigger tank!!