Id

[kizno1]

what are they my lfs is selling them as asorted malawi cichlids theres to diffrent types
how big do they get
min tank size
what tankmates
is £2.39 a good price
http/img60.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00086r.jpg
http/img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00083oux.jpg
http/img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00090lom.jpg
http/img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00085qjy.jpg
http/img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00091s.jpg

 

[dthoffsett]

Well, the only one I could ID for sure is the Melanochromi auratus (yellow w/black horizontal stripes), one of the most aggressive mbuna species available. They should really only be kept in a species only tank of 75gal or larger, if kept at all. Personally, I'd avoid them at all costs.

Mbuna in general should be kept in tanks of at leat 4ft long and kept with other mbuna. You can add some of the synodontis species with them (catfish) and bristlenose plecs usually do ok as well. The main reason mbuna shouldn't be mixed with "standard" community fish is aggression, feeding is also an issue, most mbuna are herbivores and prone to bloat if feed too many "meaty" foods. They also should be kept in hard water with a fairly high PH (I wouldn't keep them in less than 7.2 personally, though IMO they thrive in 7.8 - 8.0).

Mbuna average in size from 3" to 7" depending on the species. Here's a great article on keeping mbuna: [URL="http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=27706"]http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=27706[/URL]

And here's one explaining why "Mixed African Tanks" should be avoided: [URL="http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/mixed_africans.php"]http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/mixed_africans.php[/URL]

 

[kizno1]

thanx
and the lfs was trying to selll them to me as a peaceful fish that can go in comunty tank and there min tank size as 10g

 

[indigoj]

Ah the joys of such well informed and honest LFS....

Well done for checking up before buying, if only everyone did!

 

[kizno1]

yh well ive learnt no to trust anythink haysay after being sold a orfe and shbubkin to go in a 30l tank a fetherfin cat to go in a 10g tank and a betta to go in a community tank and none of themhave worked out good lol