I'm giving in!

[joecoulson]

The amount of fish you get might differ from the amount you end up with. I would start with at least 10, have lots of hidey holes and do FREQUENT water changes and get a filter rated to double or more of the 37g capacity. When the fish start to grow and stake out who's who, you might find some either die, or are just ostracized. I have 10 FULL grown (4-7") Mbuna and two 3" ones in a 65. It's perfect for me and my setup. I have a 37g tank and cannot imagine 10 full grown fellas in there, but for juvies, thats a good start. G L

 

[stylEmon]

i thought the darkside was that amazon blackwater?
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=390696&highlight=black+water

anyway. its your tank, get what ever fish you like. I wouldnt start out spending a ton of money on really nice african cichlids. especially if you are new to their behavior and social interaction.

Get to know them a bit, try out how many work best in the set up you have. You can always trade them in for a different fish if you eventually find yourself attracted to a certain species.

 

[Brooks74]

I would say 10 fish is around the right number. Look at peacocks and some of the smaller mbuna's like salousi. Stay away from any haplochromis species, as most of them look cute in the store, but are 10 in.+ predators not suitable for your tank

I wouldnt suggest peacocks and mbuna in a 37 gallon. Mbuna are a little too active for peacocks in that size tank imo.

 

[nitrofish1]

well, i visited the cichlid-forum, and someone directed me to a cookie cutter setup list made by the moderators of that forum. and its looking like a 40 long or a 55g is the way to go. both have equally attractive species and are simple.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_40g.php

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php

 

[m1ste2tea]

here is my suggestions for a good colorful stocklist:

4-5 Electric Blue Johannii (Melanochromis johannii)

4-5 Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus ("Yellow Morph"))

these two species wont interbreed and they will also accept a pellet type common cichlid food. around here both species are common in pet stores so you may not have to look hard to find them either.

 

[shellies215]

I wouldnt suggest peacocks and mbuna in a 37 gallon. Mbuna are a little too active for peacocks in that size tank imo.

I meant look at peacocks and smaller mbuna to see what he likes, not to put them together. I guess in the future I need to use the word "or" instead of "and".

 

[EastBay]

here is my suggestions for a good colorful stocklist:

4-5 Electric Blue Johannii (Melanochromis johannii)

4-5 Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus ("Yellow Morph"))

these two species wont interbreed and they will also accept a pellet type common cichlid food. around here both species are common in pet stores so you may not have to look hard to find them either.

I'm pretty sure these fish are herbivores (vegetarians). Get a high-quality flake food that has spirulina as the main ingredient. I believe you can also feed them blanched veggies.

 

[scottgeeze]

They are generally Mbuna's and it's a crap shoot. The more you put in the less Aggression there will be. Just do a lot of water changes.

 

[nitrofish1]

are cichlids always this confusing?

 

[nitrofish1]

but the consensus is to stay away from the mixed or "assorted" batch? even with a 55g?