55 gal African Cichlid stock options

[Mattanthonyv]

I would like to start up a 55 gallon African cichlid tank. I'm looking for a colorful variety of fish. How much fish should I stock with? What species should I stock? Thanks

 

[DJRansome]

Lake Malawi? Lake Tanganyika? Lake Victoria? Mixed gender?

 

[Mattanthonyv]

Lake Malawi? Lake Tanganyika? Lake Victoria? Mixed gender?

This will be my first African cichlid tank, what would you suggest?

 

[DJRansome]

Mixed gender mbuna.
1m:4f Labidochromis caeruleus
1m:4f Cynotilapia sp. hara
1m:4f Iodotropheus sprengerae a.k.a. rusties

 

[Mattanthonyv]

Mixed gender mbuna.
1m:4f Labidochromis caeruleus
1m:4f Cynotilapia sp. hara
1m:4f Iodotropheus sprengerae a.k.a. rusties

Would sciaenochromis be ok with cynotilipia hara?

 

[DJRansome]

No, and I would not do them in a 55G...they can be pretty rambunctious for that tank size. If you prefer haps and peacocks there are other options...but only 3 colored fish in a mixed gender tank.

 

[Stevesteve72]

Get some that stay small. But really a 55 is too small IMO.