Fronts in a mixed?

[mukundam123]

Hi guys,

Real basic question but I'm sure I've seen some pics on here where someone's kept fronts with other malawis. Is it possible to keep a few of them in my new 85G (once its setup) with a few mbuna/peacocks?

Thanks

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

if it were a bigger tank, you could probably keep them with peacocks or some types of haps, but definitely not in that size of tank, especially with mbuna IMO

 

[orbit]

You did say in an 85gal tank correct? If so I would say yeah!

How many Frontosas? To my understanding the mbuna only gets to a max size of 6".

I see no reason not to!

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

You did say in an 85gal tank correct? If so I would say yeah!

How many Frontosas? To my understanding the mbuna only gets to a max size of 6".

I see no reason not to!

the problem is also that the frontosas will get too large, and in a tank that size the mbunas could harrass them incessantly

 

[mike dunagan]

I would not do it in that size setup with mbuna either

 

[cichlidgirl]

Do not mix frontosa with mbuna. Its a disaster waiting to happen. Frontosa are expensive fish to keep just for mbuna to shred them and kill them. Frontosa are so peaceful and tend to hang in place not moving very much they are not known for defending themselves. Mbuna in general are all highly aggressive and extremely territorial so they will attack those poor frontosa all day and all night. That is why people are telling you not to do it. Also the tank is on the small size for a frontosa, min. recommended size starts at six feet for adult frontosa. Peacocks nip fins too.

 

[Oolichan]

One of the great features of fronts are their trailers - most mbuna will nip at their fins and the more aggressive ones will beat them up.

Fronts are best kept in 6'+ tanks in colonies of 1M:5F or so.

 

[mukundam123]

Thanks for that guys. The tank is actually 72x15x18 inches, so im guessing just fronts would be ok in this...? What fish can be kept with fronts? I'm looking for some fish which are smaller than fronts to try and give the tank more activity.
If I can't do the fronts, then how many mbuna's/peacocks could I potentially keep in their? Could I mix the two if I have the right fish/enough rocks/open space?

Thanks

 

[Muske]

Check the stickies.

 

[orbit]

the problem is also that the frontosas will get too large, and in a tank that size the mbunas could harrass them incessantly

Ah! I didn't realize that mbuna's get so grumpy! lol

Front's do get nice long streamer like fins and it just makes them that much cooler!! I personally wouldn't hessitate putting a Frontosa in an 85g tank if he isn't full size yet. If you get one young enough he'd be fine for a nice amount of time!