THinking of getting an Mbu puffer with africans....

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stempy

stempy

Dovii
MFK Member
Sep 8, 2011
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Galloway, OH
Here is my tank, its a 6ftx4x3 500 gallon malawi cichlid tank. My wife has wanted a mbu forever and I've just never taken the chance of one killing my prized fish, but the more I look on here it seems people are having success with them in smaller tanks with small fish. What are all you experienced mbu keepers thoughts on this?
 
My Mbu which is about 18-22 inches has only ever killed on accident. Fish got the way of his clams or ship etc. I've kept him with lots of different fish over the last 4 years. One thing is you don't want something that'll harass the puffer. Koi for instance while great for breakign down the puffer poop further, mouth the tail etc. This caused mine to dart to the other side of the tank when they did it. Clown loaches like to dogpile the puffer also, makes him move etc.
 
Mbus are great. Mine also killed on accident while eating and took chunks out of catfish. Although he was large Mbuna picked at his tail stressing him. He seemed fine with haps and peacocks just be willing to lose one on occasion if they get in the way.
 
The Malawi cichlids might be too rowdy for an Mbu. Mbu are actually somewhat shy, at least in regards to social interaction with other fish. I've had the best luck with smaller Tanganyikans. I could see a big male Haplochromis bullying an mbu.

Just my 2-cents.
 
Depends on the personality but in my opinion very possible. Fahaka not so too aggressive but I've seen many MBU's with small fish and mine is doing fine with yellow-tale arowana.
 
My Mbu has never killed, but has done his fair share of damage. When they get curious, that killer beak can do major damage. With that being said, he lives happily with a jade goby as a buddy.
 
I had an 18" mbu in a tank 810g/3066l with african cichlids and never had any problems. The mbu died about 9 months after this video was taken.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsDjcfrGMpg

I have another 19" mbu and 17" mbu in other community tanks at present both with no problems with other fish.
 
What killed it?
 
I have mbu right now with angelfish and atf. No issues. I am kinda testing them out as I have heard from several people they are mean. Not the case here.

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