I was thinking about doing an mbuna community with my 55 after I finish movie it up to a 125. I would like to have 3 yellow labs, 3 red zebra, 3 auratus, 3 zebras, and 3 blue johanni. Would this work in a 55?
mbuna
- Thread starter blackghostknife
- Start date
what if I counted them and the zebras out and just got 6 yellow labs and 6 red zebras with the johanni?
Personally I get 6 of the Labs, 6 of the Johanni, and only 3 of the Red Zebras. IME, both the Labs and the Johanni are less agressive than the Red Zebras.
Yes, I've had some good luck with them. I find they do better in a community tank than in a species dedicated tank even with high female to male ratios in a dedicated tank.
Your original stocking would work IF you provide plents of caves and other hiding spots. The auratus would probably dominate the tank, but as long as the other inhabitants are able to break line of sight and have their own territory then you should be fine.
I disagree with why renegade, red zebras (if we mean metriaclima estherae) are not very aggressive, usually on par with yellow labs (which are arguable the most docile african cichlid). It is true that you can get a oddball fish that will be highly aggressive, but overall red zebras are not aggressive. I have kept many individuals from this species and they are great.
As for your intended stock. You could make the original stock work if you have enough caves (as previously mentioned), but I would personally stay away from auratus - they are one of the more aggressive. Also, the johanni will probably rule the tank, but I don't think you will have any problems with your second round of stock.
As for your intended stock. You could make the original stock work if you have enough caves (as previously mentioned), but I would personally stay away from auratus - they are one of the more aggressive. Also, the johanni will probably rule the tank, but I don't think you will have any problems with your second round of stock.