Hmm... Species tank?

[P.A.NativesBPM]

So I've been realizing that lots of tanganyikan tanks have a wide range of species, but not really a ton of any one fish. There are a few exceptions like tropheus, xenotilapia, and some of the more dedicated cyp tanks, but I think the more common mix is what is described above. Time to change that!

So I'll list my ideas:

1.) All Calvus tank. How many do you think would work in a 55?

2.) All julidochromis tank. Again, how many for a 55?

3.) Some kind of super-colony of shell dwellers.

Any other suggestions as to fish that aren't traditionally kept in species tanks?


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[joe jaskot]

Your post is a bit confusing. Are you looking for numbers as to how many of one species you can keep in a 55 gallon tank? If you are, that number would vary depending upon the species and the setup of the tank (rockwork, shells, etc). Since these fish are all bottom dwellers, their numbers would be limited by the amount of bottom in the tank. Take calvus for example. Once they pair up, it would be hard to keep more than three pair in a 55. Julies you could keep quite a few. The ornatus in my experience are the most aggressive. I've had a pair that wrecked havoc on all their tankmates (lots of chewed up tails). The regani. transcriptus, and dickfeldi do well in large groups (15-20 in a 55). The marlieri get a bit larger and therefore you can't keep as many together, but you could probably keep a dozen in the right setup. As for the shell dwellers, it depends upon the species. Some spawn in pairs. Some are harem spawners (one male to multiple females). With harem spawners it is hard to keep more than two groups in a 55. Again, you are limited by space on the bottom of the tank. If you want to keep a lot of shellies in a 55, I would suggest keeping multifasciatus. You could easily keep 50-100 in a 55 with lots of shells. Brevis are another shell dweller that can be kept in larger groups. With ocellatus, you would be limited to a couple of pairs. Ornatapinnis (a harem spawner), one male with multiple females. Lots of other shellies, too many to list. If you have question on specific ones, just ask. Hope this helps.