Which Lake Has Most Colorful Fish?

[Dmoney]

hey everyone-

I'm back with another really complex question Working on cycling my filter at this time. I have taken multiple trips to different LFS to try and figure out the fish from which Lake I want to add. As you can tell this is my first trip into the world of African Cichlids. I have asked 3 different LFS employees, and have received 3 different anwsers. I am generally speaking looking for the brightest, most unique looking fish. The brighter the better, size is no matter. Would like to get smaller fish and be able to watch them mature. Is either of the 3 lakes a better choice for what I am looking for? Please share your opinions with me.............

 

[WaterBender1995]

before I give my answer, i'm really curious what each lfs said. B)

 

[kubora666]

from what ive kept in the past...

Tangynikans are very dull coloured usualy, yet really interesting and unique, and sometimes can be colourful.

The Malawi's are very brightly coloured and come in an array of sizes, i think personaly theyre the most colourful,

but ive kept "lake victoria cichlids" and the male was bright blue head, bright yellow flanks, and red and black fins...

so i guess its upto you =)

thats my input anyway=P

 

[cuprajake]

lake malawi go for peacocks, very colourful hence the name

 

[Dmoney]

before I give my answer, i'm really curious what each lfs said. B)

I got different answers from every store. The store I trust the most said Lake Malawi.. You agree or disagree?

 

[kubora666]

malawi gives more variety and choices, so u can ahve a largly stocked tank of brightly coloured fish =P
id agree that malawi's are more colourefull

 

[funkyhoney]

I'd have to say Malawi as well, how big is this tank of yours though?

 

[dthoffsett]

I'd also say Lake Malawi, however the males of Lake Victoria are pretty stunning.

 

[WaterBender1995]

it's a toss up for me between Victoria and Malawi. But my question to you is, why do what everyone else is doing? EVERYONE has Malawi so why not research Victorian cichlids and find just the perfect fish group for you??!!
Incredible information can be found here : VICTORIAN INFO

 

[Dmoney]

I'd have to say Malawi as well, how big is this tank of yours though?

55 gallons

 

[Dmoney]

it's a toss up for me between Victoria and Malawi. But my question to you is, why do what everyone else is doing? EVERYONE has Malawi so why not research Victorian cichlids and find just the perfect fish group for you??!!
Incredible information can be found here : VICTORIAN INFO

Maybe it is just where I live, but fish from that Lake are the least represented at my lfs. I dont know if I want to get into mail order fish. Is this the case for you?

 

[Ferris]

Lake Victoria fish are much rarer than Malawi's and Tangs - that's part of their appeal i find.

On a side note, don't rule out Tanganyikan cichlids - some of the Tropheus species are absolutely stunning.

 

[WaterBender1995]

Troph's are fantastic but you have to admit their not for beginners to cichlids. HUGELY expensive mistake if you dont do it the right way to maximize a thriving colony.

mail order is the best way to go just under buying from a specific breeder.
try asking your lfs if they'll order for you and if so, could they pull out their specimen/order book so you can look thru it.