Mouth Brooders.

[Miss Dib Dabs]

In view of a new tank I'll be getting soon (around the 50ish gallon size) I would like to find a few mouth brooder cichlids. I really know very little about them so far although I am trying to find out what I can. I have cuckoo cats I'd like to keep with them (well only one currently but not for long. ). I don't want something overly aggressive as, with all my tanks, I like to keep things peaceful in light of the possiblity of needing to put smaller tankmates in there, even temporarily.
If anyone can give me some guidance, ideas, links, previous experience etc I would be deeply greatful.
Hugs,
P.

 

[freddyk]

in light of the possiblity of needing to put smaller tankmates in there, even temporarily.

What kind of tankmates? For these types of cichlids peaceful takes on a different meaning then with community fish. Peaceful means compared to similar cichlids, but none can actually be defined as peaceful.

There's no lack of 'mildly aggressive' mouthbrooders from Malawi. Perhaps a group of Lab. Caeruleus, or a harem of Aulonocara or a Hap like Sciaenochromis 'Taiwan Reef'. Check these out, it's just an idea of the types of thing you can do.

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Like I mentioned there would be synos in the tank. Possibly some platies although not entirely sure on that. Nothing else is definite but the synos. I shall indeed look into those mentioned thanks.
Hugs,
P.

 

[dutoits]

To keep africans is very easy
(1) big enough tank
(2) Enough hiding place
(3) large diversity between males
(4) 3 female for every male

Then the fry will come no problem

B)

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Wow pretty mix you have there. Since the new tank will be going in my bedroom (I suffer from ill health and spend more time then I'd prefer in bed) it'd be lovely to see so much colour. And from what I've been reading here there and everywhere they'll do real well with synos so is perfect. The platies can stay where they are quite happily since they'd otherwise become lunch.
Just a lil question, Is it possible to put golden gouramies in with them? Not what I'd prefer but in light of recent breeding.....just a thought.
Hugs,
P.

 

[freddyk]

Gourami's generally don't mix well. It would be safest to assume that no fish except similar cichlids would work in this type of tank. Except for the synodontis types and perhaps a pleco, the rest of the tank should be compatible Malawi cichlids.

 

[dutoits]

Gourami's wants softer water conditions and are very stately fish they will not enjoy the pace in a real African tank.

I have upside down cat fish in my tanks but they are there only for diversity and my pleco is there to keep the glass clean.