African Cichlids for a 55 gal. tank
- Thread starter JIENKINZ
- Start date
I'm a huge hap fan, but I think haps are a bit large for a 55 gallon (they get around 7-10 inches). However, if you do get haps, they grow a lot slower than American cichlids so you'll have plenty of time to upgrade. (for example, my Malawi blue dolphins take 3-4 years to reach 10 inches)
BUT, you could easily go mbuna OR peacock. Mbuna grow 4-5 inches and peacock 4-6 inches. Could probably get 12-20 mbuna in a 55 depending on species and size.
Check out this site for a list w/ pics of african cichlids: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/african_cichlid_genus_gallery.php
As with all cichlids, go quality over quantity. Make a careful selection before you buy. Check LFS or online.
Good luck!!!
BUT, you could easily go mbuna OR peacock. Mbuna grow 4-5 inches and peacock 4-6 inches. Could probably get 12-20 mbuna in a 55 depending on species and size.
Check out this site for a list w/ pics of african cichlids: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/african_cichlid_genus_gallery.php
As with all cichlids, go quality over quantity. Make a careful selection before you buy. Check LFS or online.
Good luck!!!
Some even get larger then the average above - Mbuna, Crabro aka Bumble Bee 8", Some Jake species of Peacock like Eureka get a Robust 8" and very territotial then theres the Giant Peacock @ 12". As for Haps there are plenty that get 12"+.
In 55 gal. I'd think Mbunas and 1 small male Peacock
In 55 gal. I'd think Mbunas and 1 small male Peacock
Thanks everybody. Also what type of decor should i put in this tank?
(sorry im new toAfrican Cichlids)
I have a bunch of large rocks and caves... are plants a good idea?
And could i put a Pseudotropheus demasoni in my tank? I know it is very aggressive.
(sorry im new toAfrican Cichlids)
I have a bunch of large rocks and caves... are plants a good idea?
And could i put a Pseudotropheus demasoni in my tank? I know it is very aggressive.
JIENKINZ;4081882; said:
You could go with 15-16 Demasoni in that tank. Anything less then 12 and they kill each other off. Demasoni in a 55 would be species only. They are small and good looking, but mean as all get out.
If you are keeping mbuna I would stick to rocks. They love to tear up plants. A large group of demasoni plus a few yellow labs(Labidochromis Caeruleus) is a great set up for a 55 gallon! I would do 15 or so demasoni and about 7 labs. Make sure the tank is well filtered and keep up with water changes. You won't be disappointed in this set up 
thank you very much. yea i didnt know how close to the surface i should put the rocks. Also with the Demasoni, what is the minimal tank size for them? Because i would like to put mbuna in my 55, but i REALLY like the Demasoni, so could i put 1 in a smaller tank?