Semi-mature Malawi Cichlids Vs. Junvenile

[ElectricY]

This is something that has ben looming over my mind for a while now, but while reading on another sight I found that I easily introduce a group of junvenile cichlids idealily Yellow Labs and Red Zebras into a tank with some already semi-mature to mature fish without any problems. It goes on saying that the older fish wil not harrass the younger ones unti lthey are mature. Is this true? Oh and does anyone know how to sex Red Zebras when they are juveniles?

Thanks - ElectricY

 

[dthoffsett]

Most adult cichlids will ignore juveniles as they are no threat to their territories/females, in fact if you observe closely, you'll notice the juvies will usually move in an out of everyones territories. There are always exceptions to the rule, and IME all adults will attempt to eat any fry small enough to fit in their mouths (execpt for thier mothers in most cases).

It's still a good idea to feed the existing fish in your tank and rearrange the rocks/decor a little before adding any new fish, including juveniles. This should keep the fish busy enough to ignore any newcomers.

Red zebras (metriaclima estherae) look identical as juveniles, but as they mature the males tend to be a light orangy/yellow, while the females remain red.

 

[ElectricY]

Thanks for the info!