New fish

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

I just introduced my new M. auratus into my 28 gallon bowfront that also has my M. johanni. The johanni is about 2 and 1/2 times the size of the auratus. Right now the johanni is sniffing the auratus' behind like a dog. There hasn't been any fin nipping, but the johanni did follow the auratus around the same plant in a circle about 50 times. The auratus' gils and mouth are moving rapidly.

 

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

There is now some definite fin nipping territotial disputes.

 

[@ombomb]

Have you tried re-arranging the tank decor to allow them define new terrotories?

 

[vantgE]

Basically that's really not a great mix and setup.

For starters your tank is too small, minimum for mbuna is a 30 gallon and for agresive species such as auratus 55 gallons,

You need to say what else you have in the tank but based on having one johanni and one auratus, you may get away alright in a larger tank if both turn out to be the same sex. Otherwise one of them more likely the johanni if they are about the same size, will probally die. These fish are really to similar to be kept toghether and both too agresive for a 28 gallon,

For a temporary fix you could try rearangeing the tank, but it's best you get rid of at least one and upgrade your tanksize

 

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

I know it can work. I rearranged everything, added more plants and more rocks. They seem to get along most of the time. Although there is a peice of that auratus' fin missing after I got home from work. I know the auratus is more agressive, thats why I waited and got a small auratus about 1/3 the size of the johanni. This is the johanni's tank, thats for sure. I have a 55 gallon that I currently have 2 leapoard geckos in. I will not be able to use the 55 for fish for another 8-10 months. I'm thinking adding a few small flower pots will help. Any other suggestions?

 

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

I've decided to move the auratus to a 20 gallon long until I get a bigger tank set up. Thanks for the help @ombomb and vantge. Any other suggestions about keepin these guys happy and healthy are appreciated.