55gal mbuna

[bluefire]

i am getting a 55gal tank with mbuna here's what i am planning to stock:
1m 3f maylandia callainos
1m 3f labidochromis caeruleus
1m 3f red zebra (don't remember scientific name starts with 'm')

i want to find out as much info on each species as possible on all species and i have untill christmas to research

any additions, subtractions or modifications to the list would be appreciated

 

[yhbae]

Maylandia estherae (red zebra) and Maylandia callainos could produce hybrid. Instead of maylandia callainos, why not go with P socolofi or P acei?

Make sure you have lots of rocks, as Maylandia estherae and P socolofi could become aggressive, if you end up choosing them.

 

[bluefire]

what about rusty cichlids instead of red zebras??
so that the tank will be more peaceful, because i still want a red/orange colour

 

[modernhamlet]

I'm going to be getting rustys for my 75g.

However, I get the impression that they aren't red so much as browish purple. Also, they're about as timid as mbuna get. They may or may not get bullied by callainos.

As yhbae suggests, trade out the callaino for socolofi or acei. There are lots of other great "blue" fish options as well. Pseudotropheus sp. "Msobo" or Saulosi are cool (black and blue) and have colorful (orange females). One of the Cynotilapia Afra might work too.

Let us know what you decide!

Good luck!

 

[bluefire]

well the problem seally is that i live in australia and there isn't as many varieties of cichlid available over here. there may be heaps in another part of australia but not here.
the reason i want those 3 types is that they are the most common and arte easy to get.

 

[semper fi]

pm chooklet. she is also from australia and seems to have pretty good luck with getting cichlids. she could probably steer you in the right direction of lfs to check out depending on your area.

 

[bluefire]

ok, ill pm her thanx