Finally Got My First Batch Of Malawis

[Dieses Madchen]

So here are some pictures of my first malawis. I know one is an Acei, and one is a Red Zebra, and I also know that one is a Socolofi (i think) There are two that I am struggling to ID, so if someone can id these fish, that would be great. They were in what looked to be a 50g tank with about 40 malawis labeled "Assorted malawis." But they all looked healthy with good coloration, and at least I knew they would all get along. (Yes I know, shame on me for buying fish that I don't know names of. I just hated seeing so many in that little tank!)

 

[konor123]

In my opinion the one in the 2nd photo seem to be a red zebra X electric yellow.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

In my opinion the one in the 2nd photo seem to be a red zebra X electric yellow.

I know the orange one is a red zebra, but I do not think the yellow one is a lab. He has stripes.

 

[konor123]

Sorry I didn't mean to say Red zebra X lab. It could be any kind of african zebra, but I'm sure there is some yellow lab in the fish just because of the black strip on the dorsal fin are what all yellow labs have.

It may have stripes that yellows don't have but I have Blue Zebras and they have faint stripes that fade and come back again. I think its just because of there mood.

 

[fluvial]

The male and female Pseudotropheus Saulosi are both born yellow,
but the male then turns an attractive blue with dark stripes.
Sometimes a less dominant male will remain yellow - but the stripes still show through.

I think that is what your yellow fish is - either a male Saulosi turning blue,
or a less dominant one that in time will achieve the blue colouration

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Why couldn't they keep them in their own tanks? Why have a tank that says assorted african malawis....grrr

Regardless, they all get along so well, and they are so cool to watch

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Heres a little video of my fish playing. I never realized how much FUN these guys are just to sit back and watch. Found myself in a chair yesterday in front of the tank with a beer just watching them. They seem so happy. Wish my life was this fun!

 

[Malawi MaD]

Congrats Di, they are certainly big fish

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Congrats Di, they are certainly big fish

Can you help me ID them? They were in a tank labeled assorted African Malawis. The only reason I chose them is the ones they had that were labeled we in tanks alone, and all these guys were together, so they were used to each other. I know the orange one is a red zebra, and I am almost positive that the larger blue one is Ps. Socolofi....and I think the blue one with the yellow in its tail is an acei......what are your thoughts?

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Well....I see the downside of the cichlids. I am going to have to get more. I returned the Red Zebra. He wanted to run the tank and he killed the yellow one (second photo)

I have banned my husband from buying fish as he buys them because they look cool and I have to run circles to accomadate them. I have seriously been crying for an hour....

 

[dh058977]

Sorry to hear about the death in your tank.

Here is what i think about the I.D's for your fish -
- The one in the second photo I think is/was a lab. The stripes can be a sign of either malnutrition or inbreeding.
- The orange one looks like a young red zebra.
- Im not sure that the fish in the final photo is Ps. Elongatus, he doesnt look very long in the body and he has no defined black and blue striping (I know there are a few Elongatus types and one doesnt have stripes across the face but I believe they all do in the body). The Elongatus without striping on the face is more aggresive.
- I think your spot on with the Ps. Socolofi. Great fish that have lost alot of ground in the hobby due to the sheer amount of variants and poor examples. Can stand up to alot of aggression from tank mates but can also give it at times!

I always stay away from 'Assorted' tanks, far too much like Gump's box of chocolates . . . You never know what your gonna get!

Good luck with it all. If you want to see any pictures of my fish id be more than happy to share. I currently have about 10 Juvi Mpanga raised in my tank!

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Turned out the yellow one was a bumble bee, and the blue one with stripes is a Ps Elongatus

Yeah, death sucks, but it is part of owning cichlids. In about 4 weeks I am adding 4 more. I am sure one or two more may succomb, but once we get past that....

 

[dh058977]

Turned out the yellow one was a bumble bee, and the blue one with stripes is a Ps Elongatus

Yeah, death sucks, but it is part of owning cichlids. In about 4 weeks I am adding 4 more. I am sure one or two more may succomb, but once we get past that....

100% sure that fish wasnt a bumble bee. Their black stripes are far more defined and the fins are usually tipped with blue.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Turned out the yellow one was a bumble bee, and the blue one with stripes is a Ps Elongatus

Yeah, death sucks, but it is part of owning cichlids. In about 4 weeks I am adding 4 more. I am sure one or two more may succomb, but once we get past that....

100% sure that fish wasnt a bumble bee. Their black stripes are far more defined and the fins are usually tipped with blue.

regardless...the poor lil fellow is dead And the zebra is no more. I want to get a few more socolofi and a few more acei...maybe another elongatus

 

[Binge]

I feel your pain on the deaths I lost 6 in two weeks almost 7. I kept my cichlids in the end but am working on redoing thier tank with a more dividing landscape. hopefully it works Good luck.