Stocking mistake...

C

confusion

AC Members
Jun 3, 2006
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I recently converted a 55G tank to Mbuna. I took the advice of the friendly LFS and bought a variety of fish. Well, I just read blue2fyre's article on mbuna and determine that I have 2 of the 3 fish to stay away from.

In the tank, I have:
red zebra
blue zebra
Rusty
yellow lab
2 kenyi (male and female as it turns out)
bumblebee
and a few others that I can't identify

They're all quite small, and no problems so far, but I'm quite concerned after reading the warning on the kenyi and bumblebee. Am I hosed?
 
yes... remove the kenyi and the bumblebee... the bee with get upwards of 8 inches and mean. the kenyi's can be killers when they mature and a bigger tank than 55g is recommended for success.

What works best for stocking mbuna in a 55g is to stock 3 species with one male to 4-5 females. some dwarfs have different stocking rules, like demasoni....

from ur list, I'd remove the bee, kenyi for sure. the others are crossbreeding risks, such as mixing cobalts(blue zebra) with red zebra. they are both from the genus metriaclima. also, for some reason red zebras will cross with yellow labs easily, which is why there is crap strains of labs in the stores.... Anyway, u have rusties and labs which are 2 of the more peaceful mbuna. I would keep them and pick one more species to go with them...

check out this article for some valuable info http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php
 
:iagree: By the way, I would not wait to exchange those fish. Sexual maturity in mbuna usually starts around 2 - 2 1/2". It really doesn't take them very long to get there. That is when the problems will start.
 
I would stick with the labs, rusties, and blue zebras. That will give you a nice variety of color without any psycho killers in the tank. Usually you buy many juveniles and narrow down the group to 1 male per 4 females. This will cut down on your aggression within the tank. 15 fish for a 55 gallon is about right. Be sure to provide lots of hiding spots for them as well.
 
for rehoming, call ur lfs and see if they will give u store credit for them. if not, either donate or try to sell on aquabid or craigslist
 
You could also add Acei to the mix if you get rid of the Bee, Kenyi and Zebra's..
 
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