Albino Auratus

[coltiger1975]

Quick question regarding adding an albino Auratus to my current colony of normal Auratus. I just saw these available and I am contemplating adding one to the existing group I have. These are all established and have been quite happy. They have no issues with the aggression, they reproduce and honestly I am sure the original group is no longer alive replaced by the juveniles.

I am just a little worried that adding a new one and albino just might make it a big target. 100 gallon with 18 adult Auratus, 5 males and the rest females. There are unknown number of fry among the rocks. There was a male Salvini in there for 3 years but moved him when I found a few nice females for him.

The other question is that I noticed that all males dig a crater. Use the same one. Could I use a clay saucer or this not a thing with mbuna?

 

[Milingu]

Adding a fish to an established group is a always a risk. Especially when there are only a few males who all know each other.
I never had albino auratus but I noticed it's often harder for albinos to compete with normal pigmented specimens.


What do you want to achieve with that clay saucer?

 

[coltiger1975]

I meant to say all males use the same spot in the aquarium to lure females, they take turns even though there is a dominant one. I was wondering if I could use the clay saucer in that spot for a place to spawn or just leave as has been for now.

I am concerned if I add the albino it might not be a good thing. Main reason was to add to the gene pool. I suppose I could purchase a normal phase female instead. Just thought the albino looked neat

 

[Milingu]

You can just try the clay saucer though I don't see any benefit from it. I don't think it will do any harm. If they don't like it they will spawn somewhere else.

 

[coltiger1975]

I will probably not, might disrupt the tank lol don't need hell breaking loose. Thanks for the feedback ?

 

[coltiger1975]

I think I will pass on an albino for now, I think I might get another normal phase. The original fish were all rescues from people that didn't want them because they're aggressive to their fish. I find them quite pleasing to keep but in large groups. Though I am sure if I add a different species it might not work.