Cichllids/plants observation

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

I was watching my M. johannii and M. auratus eating a couple days ago. The johanni was dominating the tank as usual. I saw the johannii swim through a cave then come up from under some fake plants, brushing and pushing through them as he went. Then I saw him chasing the auratus around as the auratus darted through the plants. Thats when I realized somethings not right. These guys need real plants.

 

[Ferris]

Plants are pretty much non-existent in the Mbuna's natural environment. They like to feel secure so provide plenty of hiding places using rocks and they should be fine. I doubt live plants would last too long in a Mbuna tank.

 

[lankey89]

I have a Mbuna tank and have tried out lots of plants. Many they do not like and they uproot them constantly, aAlthough a few that have survived remarkably well and the fish have left them alone. These are the following.

ANUBIAS

JAVA MOSS

JAVA FERN

 

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

So even if I have the plant substrate, covered with an layer of gravel about an inch thick, they will still be able to uproot the plants? I have heard much about cichlids destroying plants, but I have never observed them in a planted environment. Why do they not try to uproot the fake plants?

Thanks for help ferris. Thanks for the plant suggestions lankey89.

 

[Ferris]

They are just as likely to uproot fake plants but these tend to hold in the substrate better making it more difficult for them to do so. I have a couple of nice fake plants in my Mbuna tank because i like them, not part of their natural habitat, just a personal choice.

 

[LuckyLoach]

Boxcar,

I have a 55 gallon Mbuna tank with 16 live plants, most of which are a variety of sword plants. I haven't had one uprooted yet. I did try some other types, which did not have a good root system, and those I found floating at the top on a daily basis. As long as you pick a plant that has a solid root system, that you can bury deep in the substrate, you should have pretty good luck. I know my mbunas like to use the larger swords as hiding places when all of the caves and rocks are taken up. Good luck to you.