Should I replace him?

[julibob]

Last night, I lost one of my Aulonocara (unidentified as yet), in tragic circumstances. See link My Webpage.

I have a small group of yellow labs, and all others are in pairs. These were the only Aulonocara in the tank. Now one is on his own Sould I replace him? Will the singleton be picked on by the others, or will he be ok on his own??? He seems fine at the moment, but it is very early days. Water paramaters are all fine, although I added 2 small Pim Pictus catfish yesterday.

Any advice?

Julia

 

[freddyk]

What were the circumstances? I don't see a link anywhere.

Your tank is plenty full, and I wouldn't add any more fish. One Aulonocara is best in such a small tank, as males are solitary by nature and one is likely to get tormented if you add another. The mbuna should generally ignore the one you have, although a crowded mbuna tank is a stressful place for a peacock even if he's largly ignored. The labs won't pose a problem, but keep an eye on those cobalts. You mention the tank is in the early stages, which means the fish are probably still quite young, and in the confines of this tank the cobalts will probably give you trouble (most likely between each other) once they mature.

Also, those sulphurheads, if they are Protomelas Spilonatus, are very unsuited to that tank - they grow quite large and need decent swimming space - the best thing you can do for them is get them a larger tank (preferably a 4 footer) or return them.

 

[julibob]

Sorry for the confusion, the link is now sorted. As for the Sulphur Heads, I dont know where I got that from as they are actually Haplochromis Ahli. My LFS who deals in Lake Malawi Cichlids and Marine fish seems to think that with adequate filtration, then my tank size will be fine. I stocked the tank on his recommendation, and didnt just do it on a whim because the fish looked nice .

Julia

 

[freddyk]

I still wouldn't do it. Ahli are still haplichromines that reach 7" or so and I would never subject them to such a small tank - it just isn't right. From here it's a judgement call for you, but read up on them and make it with sound knowledge backing you up. If you have trouble finding info on Ahli, look up Fryeri - this is a very similar fish, except more common. I truly encourage you to research this one because I know how frustrating it can be getting opposite advice - just remember, I'm not selling you anything.

 

[julibob]

freddyk,

thanks for you advice. I know that I am no authority on Malawi cichlids, or any other fish really, but I had already decided not to replace him. I will continue with the tank the way things are and see what happens. I have added much more rock this weekend, to add more hiding places. Rest assured, loving all living things, I will research more the fish I have, and will be the first to rehome them if there could be a potential problem.

Julia