Inverts with Mbuna

[HaleMoana]

Can I put any inverts in my mbuna tank? Right now, just a Yellow Lab and a couple Blue Johanni right now. Not sure what else I'll be adding, but I would like to toss in a couple inverts if I could.
Maybe a lobster or a shrimp.

I'm new to Cichlids... be kind. thanks!

 

[Will Hayward]

While their are inverts in the african lakes, it would likely not work well in standard aquariua.

Shrimp will be preyed upon occasionally, so the population must be large enough to reproduce at the same rate it is being consumed.

And crayfish with attempt to eat anything they can get their claws on.

 

[Lupin]

Horned nerites may be your best bet.

 

[krichardson]

WorldWide Aquarium in Upper Darby brings in Tanganyican freshwater crabs sometimes.I dont think the mbuna would cause them too much trouble,vice versa if anything once the lights are off.What are you considering?

 

[HaleMoana]

I was thinking about a Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster (Procambarus sp. - crayfish).

 

[Will Hayward]

Horned nerites may be your best bet.

Lupin, do you have some that you can post about?

 

[krichardson]

I was thinking about a Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster (Procambarus sp. - crayfish).

Will Howard touched on the crayfish and their capabilities,maybe you could use tongs and feed them to keep them satisfied.

 

[Lupin]

Lupin, do you have some that you can post about?

No problem. I haven't taken pics of their back much since I focus on their faces rather than the shell.

Photo series of horned nerite clinging on a lotus stalk










If you don't mind other species of nerites, here they are minus the horns.









The mystery snails were not happy when I put the hair algae just for the new snails and scooted inside the breeder trap to get to the algae.

Owned by fellow member of AC, pik01.

 

[Blue2Fyre]

I keep malaysian trumpet snails in with my mbuna without problems. They burrow in the sand a lot so I don't see them a whole lot.

I don't think a crayfish would be a good idea. I have heard of them making it for a while but once they molt they tend to get torn apart by the mbuna

 

[Lupin]

I keep malaysian trumpet snails in with my mbuna without problems. They burrow in the sand a lot so I don't see them a whole lot.

I don't think a crayfish would be a good idea. I have heard of them making it for a while but once they molt they tend to get torn apart by the mbuna

It's not just compatibility that is the issue. Dietary requirements must also be put into perspective. Mbunas should not be fed with meaty foods. Unfortunately, crayfish require it in their diet as these are ambush predators by nature.