Synodontis Petricola and aggressive mbuna?

Allan01230

Polypterus
MFK Member
Jun 29, 2006
3,865
195
96
Michigan
Just wondering how are my 3 synodontis petricola all at 4 inches able to live with agressive mbuna? I have kenyi zebras and pseudotropheous elongotis in with them in a 90 and the cichlids will mess with everything but the petricola. The petricola chase each other but leave everything else be. the aggressive mbuna ignore the synodontis Why is this? Thanks all in advance
 

luvinbluegills

Gambusia
MFK Member
Feb 26, 2011
529
16
18
Pgh PA
They have hard, sharp spines in their pectoral fins which they can use quite handily to defend themselves. Also, they aren't seen as competitors by the cichlids, and since most of the African lake cichlids (all?) are mouthbrooders, there's no need to chase all living things from a given territory.
 

Rome

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Feb 24, 2012
470
5
33
Santa Barbara
I keep them in my mixed African tank and the fish ignore them.

Sent from my HTCONE using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 

djm5222

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 3, 2009
191
0
0
Wisconsin
The synos will stake their claim just like the african cichlids. I've seen a little bit of competition when they are both offered hiding places. My synos always won that competition though with zero damage to both fish in the end.
 
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