My African Cichlid Tank Journal.

[Kashif314]

Well nobody here is calling themselves an "expert" -- as others have stated there's so much hybridization within esp. African Cichlids that it can be super difficult if not nearly impossibly to 100% identify (even for real experts) what went it making each and every one of them. In any case I wouldn't bite the hands that are feeding you so to speak, and just trying to help with their best guesses; others here most assuredly value their time as much as you do yours

I think by now, esp. given all the research you've done about African cichlids, you're realizing that they are in fact quite challenging to keep successfully -- and then even experienced keepers sometimes have problems because nobody can always predict how things will work out given any combination of fish. Your yellow cichlid might be all peaceful now but that could change at any time and on short notice (even more so with some of your other fish, or say a demasoni).

Keeping cichlids is a much different affair than say shrimp -- there's often a lot of drama, bickering and hierarchical restructuring frequently going on that they can actually be more stress than enjoyment for many. They also require strong filtration and frequent water changes (time/energy). I can respect people trying new challenges in the hobby, but beautiful and cool as they are, imo keeping African cichlids just isn't an ideal match for all fish keepers, there are many easier fish to take care of and enjoy.

There is no such thing as a peaceful, mbuna cichlid. No such fish exists. Some are less aggressive than others, but by natures design they are all hard wired to be territorial, and aggressive. I'm not an expert on anything, but I knew enough to know that your yellow fish is a hybrid, as did others. I can also assure you that it is a he, not a she, as you referred to it. Not the end of the world if you like African hybrids, I was simply explaining why members here won't be able to narrow a lot of these down as far as ID's go.




Your money, your fish, you can do as you please. In my experience a person gets out of this hobby what they put into it. If you really want to learn, open your eyes & pay attention to those attempting to help you, instead of looking for excuses for your shortcomings.

Good luck.

Oh come on. I didn't mean to say what is interpreted. My language barrier is making things look different than I intended. I was reffering to your comment RD on why I don't do any research before I go to buy a fish. I was explaining why is it hard for me to do that in case of hybrids. By experts I do mean experts because you guys are in this hobby for very long and knows a lot and always give very valuable advice.

Please don't misunderstand me. I was only explaining my situation and as RD said that I am trying to cover up my shortcomings or looking for excuses is simply not the case. Yes, I do have shortcomings indeed but I am not trying to justify them. I already read about cichlids and their behaviour but if see some hybrid I can't identify it. Also some cichlids are hard to id even when I have information prior to go to store. RD you seem to always ride a high horse, I don't know why. Please note not everyone in the hobby is as well informed as you Sir. People learn from trial and error. I am in learning process. I have limited resources to get fish. I can't just go to a store having dedicated tanks or sit in the comfort of my couch and order fish online. When I see a pretty fish I fall for it. Yes, its wrong but I am trying to fix this habit.

I guess I am creating so much trouble here. Please let me know so I can leave this forum if I am too much troubling. Thanks.

 

[islandguy11]

Oh come on. I didn't mean to say what is interpreted. My language barrier is making things look different than I intended. I was reffering to your comment RD on why I don't do any research before I go to buy a fish. I was explaining why is it hard for me to do that in case of hybrids. By experts I do mean experts because you guys are in this hobby for very long and knows a lot and always give very valuable advice.

Please don't misunderstand me. I was only explaining my situation and as RD said that I am trying to cover up my shortcomings or looking for excuses is simply not the case. Yes, I do have shortcomings indeed but I am not trying to justify them. I already read about cichlids and their behaviour but if see some hybrid I can't identify it. Also some cichlids are hard to id even when I have information prior to go to store. RD you seem to always ride a high horse, I don't know why. Please note not everyone in the hobby is as well informed as you Sir. People learn from trial and error. I am in learning process. I have limited resources to get fish. I can't just go to a store having dedicated tanks or sit in the comfort of my couch and order fish online. When I see a pretty fish I fall for it. Yes, its wrong but I am trying to fix this habit.

I guess I am creating so much trouble here. Please let me know so I can leave this forum if I am too much troubling. Thanks.

Kashif it really wasn't so much a vocabulary issue, but rather that you came across as taking the fact the 'experts' couldn't 100% clearly answer your question, then kinda throwing it right back at their faces, even after they clearly stated the reasons why. Anyway, why do you keep trying to lay guilt trips on people (many who have tried to help you), let alone asking if you should leave the forum? -- sorry but imo it's kinda like a little kid who was admonished or didn't get his way, then threatened to run away or not play with his friends anymore. We're all continually learning here, nobody on MFK is all-knowing and there are different opinions about things. Ask which fish food is best and you'll get 5 different answers -- then watch the fireworks ensue lol.

 

[Kashif314]

Kashif it really wasn't so much a vocabulary issue, but rather that you came across as taking the fact the 'experts' couldn't 100% clearly answer your question, then kinda throwing it right back at their faces, even after they clearly stated the reasons why. Anyway, why do you keep trying to lay guilt trips on people (many who have tried to help you), let alone asking if you should leave the forum? -- sorry but imo it's kinda like a little kid who was admonished or didn't get his way, then threatened to run away or not play with his friends anymore. We're all continually learning here, nobody on MFK is all-knowing and there are different opinions about things. Ask which fish food is best and you'll get 5 different answers -- then watch the fireworks ensue lol.

I always acknowledged the help in all my posts. My replies always starts with a thanks. I was trying to mention that if experts can't id something because of obvious reasons than how can someone like me having very little info gonna identify a hybrid. It wasn't throwing back anything at you guys. I always highly appreciate the help but things like I don't do my homework before I go to fish store and even after telling so many times the situation at my local fish stores I am still being blamed. I always admitted my shortcomings but I don't understand why there is a need to repeat them again and again.

I walked to the store. Seen the yellow cichlid. Bought it. Asked for help to id but got reply that I must do research before I go to the store which I do now as mentioned already but again being said same thing again and again is irritating. I hope I finally able to convey what I meant. You guys need to to tone down things while replying to people. Not everyone is intelligent like you. You say that I behave like a kid but I was actually treated like a kid. I really don't understand the need to be rude when giving an advice. Isn't it easier to ignore my question if someone doesn't like it?

 

[A201]

I think this might help. Know your tank & the space it allows to keep the specific fish you want. Understand the differences between the three major Cichlid species groups of the African Rift Lakes, Mbuna, Aulonocara & Haplochromis. Realize that Mbuna do better with Mbuna. They usually don't mix well with other species, due to their innate territorial instinct.
Aulonocara go well together, relatively speaking. They too have territorial tendencies, but aren't as lethal as mbuna. Haps can be kept together, or even mixed with Aulonocara. Their size & aggression varies. Before buying, research. Know what you're getting. Avoid impulse buying. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run.
Regarding Hybrids, some have become standards like the OB's & Dragon Bloods, most are unidentifiable mutts.
No need to leave the forum. All agree that language diffences can be an obstacle. IMO, realize the MFK forum is the "Big League" of fish forums. Although technical advice varies between established members & often the advice given isn't always what you want to hear, the advice is usually accurate. Opinion is a sub set of advice and is as individual as the person who gives it. Opinion shouldn't upset you.

 

[Kashif314]

I think this might help. Know your tank & the space it allows to keep the specific fish you want. Understand the differences between the three major Cichlid species groups of the African Rift Lakes, Mbuna, Aulonocara & Haplochromis. Realize that Mbuna do better with Mbuna. They usually don't mix well with other species, due to their innate territorial instinct.
Aulonocara go well together, relatively speaking. They too have territorial tendencies, but aren't as lethal as mbuna. Haps can be kept together, or even mixed with Aulonocara. Their size & aggression varies. Before buying, research. Know what you're getting. Avoid impulse buying. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run.
Regarding Hybrids, some have become standards like the OB's & Dragon Bloods, most are unidentifiable mutts.
No need to leave the forum. All agree that language diffences can be an obstacle. IMO, realize the MFK forum is the "Big League" of fish forums. Although technical advice varies between established members & often the advice given isn't always what you want to hear, the advice is usually accurate. Opinion is a sub set of advice and is as individual as the person who gives it. Opinion shouldn't upset you.

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply. I took a break for forum. I never get upset about opinion and positive criticism. Anyways don't want to talk more about it. Thank you so much for your help.