Can Someone Review My Mbuna Cichlid Choices?

[KingKenny]

I'm currently compiling a list of Mbuna Cichlids to get for when my tank completes its fishless cycle.

The tank is about 160 UK gallons, being 201cmx50.5cmx70.5cm. It is a Rena classic. The PH of the local tapwater is 7.8-7.9, which is the reason I have decided to go for this type of set up. Rather than have a massacre, I have read up on numerous Cichlids and been on websites providing a compatibility chart for sub categories of Cichlid species. Below are the fish I would like to keep.

In relation to the fish I have chosen, could someone provide me with an adequate male to female ratio, and even advise on other suitable species.

Yellow Lab - Labidochromis Caeruleus - The fish I most want to keep for its striking colour

Electric Blue - Scianochromis Ali - I suspect this 'may be a Hap' as opposed to a Mbuna. Am I correct?

Yellowfin Borleyi Cichlid - Copadichromis Borleyi

Orange Peacock - Auloncara Rubescens

Zimbabwe Rock - Otopharynx Afra (spelling?)

Cobue - Cynotilapia Afra

Haplochromis Obliquidens

Metriaclima sp (pink) Have no idea about this one?


Now I realise I may (i stress may as I don't know) still be understocked given the size of the tank. Please could someone review these and correct me!

I like colourful fish (who doesn't!) and any strange or unusual colours would look great. There is a lot of blue and yellow there with a little bit or orange/red? Still think I could do with a bit more red or orange in there!

Thanks.

 

[mark7616]

Im not sure about all of them as i have not long been keeping cichlids but i don know the yellow labs you will want at least 3 maybe 5 i have 12 in a 55g mate and thats ok i could have 15.

 

[Ferris]

Most of your choices are relatively mild in terms of aggression and this makes the male/female ratio less important, as does the size of your tank.

Labs are best kept in groups, the more the better and don't worry about the male/female ratio at all with them.

The Ahli is a hap but again due to the size of your tank, i don't see any problems with this. Normally i would reccommend against 2 types of Afra in 1 tank, but again, you have the room.

With the Aulonocara, i would stick with just males as the females are very dull in terms of colouration, unlike Mbuna.

Don't have a clue what Metriaclima pink is

Some albino Socolofi would look good and contrast well with the different colours in there, just a thought.

 

[mark7616]

yeah socolofi albino are great i love mine he is a busy lil stone mover.