65 Gallon upright Mbuna stocking research

Kimanngordon

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 13, 2019
13
1
8
58
Puerto Rico
I also have a 65 gallon tank with a Fluval Fx6 filter that I would like to stock as follows:

6-Mbamba 1 or 2 m 4-5 f
4-Rusty 1 m 3 f ( for all below)
4-Maison Reef
4-Salousi
4-Blue Lips
4-Yellow Tail Acei
4-Marmalade

I was told 30-35 fish, however this seems like a lot of fish for this tank.

Any suggestions?

Also, will these specias co-exist?

Otherwise I was thinking about an ALL male mbuna tank with as many different color pattens possible.
 

The Morning

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2018
1,170
1,695
164
49
What are he measurements of the tank?
That is a very heavy stocking list.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RD.

Kimanngordon

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 13, 2019
13
1
8
58
Puerto Rico
What are he measurements of the tank?
That is a very heavy stocking list.
3’x18”x25” 65 gallon upright
So how many mbuna are suggested?
Are the species listed compatible?
Can I have 1 make with no females of his type?
Or keep with 1to 4 ratio?
Or go all male? And if all male, can you have several of tye same species?
 

deeda

Silver Tier VIP
MFK Member
Mar 26, 2008
4,019
2,915
1,279
Medina, Ohio
For a 36" x 18" tank I would only suggest stocking the Chindongo (formerly Pseusotropheus) saulosi with one male and 6 females since they are a smaller Mbuna.

Tank length is more important for stocking Malawi cichlids as they vigorously defend the floor space of the aquarium and a 36" long tank isn't quite long enough for most species.
 
  • Like
Reactions: james99 and RD.

Kimanngordon

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Sep 13, 2019
13
1
8
58
Puerto Rico
For a 36" x 18" tank I would only suggest stocking the Chindongo (formerly Pseusotropheus) saulosi with one male and 6 females since they are a smaller Mbuna.

Tank length is more important for stocking Malawi cichlids as they vigorously defend the floor space of the aquarium and a 36" long tank isn't quite long enough for most species.
Thank you.
 

RD.

Gold Tier VIP
MFK Member
May 9, 2007
13,124
12,382
3,360
64
Northwest Canada
For a 36" x 18" tank I would only suggest stocking the Chindongo (formerly Pseusotropheus) saulosi with one male and 6 females since they are a smaller Mbuna.

Tank length is more important for stocking Malawi cichlids as they vigorously defend the floor space of the aquarium and a 36" long tank isn't quite long enough for most species.
+1

Totally agree with Dee. Nice fit for that tank, and would make for a great display.
 

RD.

Gold Tier VIP
MFK Member
May 9, 2007
13,124
12,382
3,360
64
Northwest Canada
This is a saulosi species tank that my friend John Labbe set up many years ago. I believe that it was a standard 40 gallon tank. With enough escapes & line of sight barriers you could probably get away with more than 1 male, so I wouldn't worry too much about sexing if you buy small juvies. The sub dominants may not color up (blue) and stay more in female dress. (yellow) If things get too aggressive as they all mature, you can always thin the males out. I would start with at least 12 unsexed juvies. Good luck.

1568392829659.png
 

The Morning

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2018
1,170
1,695
164
49
As much as I enjoy the variety of a mixed African tank there is definitely something to be said for a species only tank. That looks fantastic.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RD.

james99

MFK Moderators
Staff member
Moderator
MFK Member
Mar 3, 2009
1,288
1,387
179
savannah,ga
As mentioned saulosi would be the best thing for a 36" tank. 3 males and 9 females would be a good number. I definitely wouldn't try all males in such a short tank.

Also, I'm moving this to the African cichlid section.
 
  • Like
Reactions: deeda and RD.
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store