Labidochromis Q's....

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Beardo

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 15, 2005
21
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Louisville, KY
I am interested in setting up a colony of Yellow Labidochromis cichlids. What would be the recommended number of fish I could keep in a 20 gallon aquarium? I have had some experience keeping African Cichlids, but it has been a while....I am mainly a herp/arachnid keeper so I am no stranger to exotic pets. Any useful links or information that pertain to the captive husbandry of Labidochromis cichlids would be extremely appreciated. Thanks for looking. :)
 
50 gallon minimum for one.
 
with 50 gallons, you could go with a group of about 10. DOn't go with those. THey're wicked common and not as cool as people make them out to be. Go with some kenyi or some cynotilapia or tropheops if you want to do mbunas
 
I appreciate the suggestion, but I am more interested in the Labidochromis. I enjoyed keeping them the last time I had them, but that was when I was not very fish-savvy and all of my fish ended up dying. I'd like to do it right this time and this is the species I'd like to work with.
 
I think you will not get the same behaveure in a 20 as you would in a 55 or even better a 75.

I have had them together but as they grow up they can become very nasty if they don't have enough room.
 
Man, I was always under the impression that Labs were a small cichlid species and did not require large tanks, even as adults. Am I correct in assuming the maximum size for this species is around 4" or so?

Also....what substrate would you recommend for them? I have heard that many cichlid keepers use sand in order to keep the ph higher....am I on the right track?
 
I have a Yellow lab/ Red zebra mix. But i would not get alot of labs cuz there very common but they do look cool :grinyes:
 
OK guys/gals....while I really appreciate the sharing of opinions on what I should get, I am not asking for insight as to what kind of cichlid I should get....I am looking for husbandry information in relation to Labidochromis cichlids. So how about you stop telling me what to get and help me in my search for knowledge? ;)
 
I personally feel that a 20 is too small for the Labs you wish to keep. 4" is bigger than you realize. If you insist on going this route, I would say go with 1 male and 3 females. If you provided lots of rock caves this might work okay.
 
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