Frontosa And Malawi

[James B]

Hi guys, went in to my lfs today and there were some very nice looking frontosas in, i was just wondering if, although it isnt a malawi seeing as its fairly big would it be ok in a tank of yellow labs some zebra things, the worlds calmest venustus and a mixed thingy,or if not what is the biggest malawi that had a decent temprement.

 

[kj23502]

I've asked around multiple places/people and the consensus has been not to mix Lake Tang. cichlids with Lake Malawi cichlids. First off most Tang cichlids are carnivores and majority of Malawis are herbivores or omnivores. Frontosas might get big enough to eat some malawi cichids(some mbuna only average 3" most that I've seen average only 5" when full grown). Fronts can get to over 12".

How big is your tank?

 

[James B]

1m long 40cm wide, 61cm tall

 

[Raoul Duke]

Not big enough for adult Frontys unfortunately. They can get to 12"+ & are at their best kept in groups.

 

[Rick A]

No, no, no, no, NO! The Malawis will make short work of your Frontosa (usually fins first!), no matter how big he is... Also, the Frontosa will need a large tank as they can get VERY large.

Some Frontosas, depending on individual personality, CAN stand up for themselves, but take it from my past mistake, its very sad to see such a lovely fish get terrorised by Malawis - they are far too fast and furious for a Frontosa...

Maybe your LFS might take it back / offer you an exchange for something more suitable.

 

[Rick A]

Perhaps you could consider some of the Peacock 'Alonacaras' - German Red, Wild Yellow, etc - as these are fairly mild mannered for Malawis. However, mixing males of different Alonacara species can still be quite hair-raising as even they can become very aggressive towards each other once they mature... Still, you're never going to end up with a 'peaceful' Malawi / Tanginyka setup, that's what makes them so challenging / interesting.

 

[James B]

will leave the frontosas alone then, wil have a look at those species