Yellow Tail Acei

[MCL169]

I'm starting a new 55 gallon Cichlid Tank. All fish between 1.5-1.7 (except 1 large pleco 9in)
2 Electric Yellow
2 Blue Johannis
1 Kenyi
1 Yello Tail Acei

At first all fish adapted to tank. The yellow seemed a little bossy a tad bigger than others. The where all mixing back and forth but I haven't seen the yellow eat last night or today and seems to sit near the top back corner opposite the heater and filter near a upside down floating tank decoration. They move with other fish a little then goes back to the top corner. Im feeding them Tetra color tropical flakes. the water is 7.6 and the temp is in the top red portion of safe zone. (sorry cant see numbers). Right now I have a bare bottom. I'm researching a white gravel. Any help or advise or comments welcomed.

 

[Steve_C]

Most likely it is being picked on by the Kenyi. Not really the best mix of fish you have there for a 55g tank IMO. Acei are a bit more of a mellow species of cichlid while Kenyi are pretty well known to be really aggressive. I have both species as well by they are in my 240g with 20 other fish so they work in that size tank, but in a smaller 55g I am going to guess it's aggression from the Kenyi that has him pushed up in the corner.

 

[james99]

Definitely sounds like it being bullied. The mix and number of fish you have will probably cause long term issues with aggression. Also I would skip gravel and go with sand.

 

[MCL169]

Ok the fish has died and I'm taking him back. Should I replace with one or two or just leave the rest and stay with the 5?

 

[MCL169]

As far as sand I thought about white sand but might be too much maintenance (syphoning sand) unless someone can recommend a grade or option.

 

[RD.]

What you should do is take the advice given, and remove the kenyi (Maylandia lombardoi). They are nasty little bastards, even the females are very aggressive. Then spend some time researching the various species, their overall sizes, aggression levels, etc, and rebuild. Here's a good site that can help with various mbuna profiles. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=2

Here's some cookie cutter set up options for a 55 gallon. (including for mbuna stocking, and species)

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

 

[RD.]

Pool filter sand works well, you don't need a ton, keep it light and it's easy enough to keep clean.

 

[MCL169]

I did some research and thought it was a good mix but I'll look further. I've raised larger cichlids Oscars and Pacus and red tails. I wanted to go smaller to up the number a little. I was thinking maybe I'll try to maintain what I have or Keep an eye on the Kenyi to remove. I watched for a while for any signs of bullying and if anything the Acei seemed to be the aggressor and was a little bigger. Any chance the two pairs with the kenyi will work? Is it too many fish or too little causing the aggression? I've read examples of both opinions. I'm hoping to maintain the collection long term. I have a standard 4ft 55. Maybe I can get a taller tank for the same stand. Right now besides the Acei all are eating well and getting along.

 

[Steve_C]

Tank height means very little when it comes to cichlids. Length and width are what is important. 4ft tanks can be okay for Mbuna but when dealing with the very narrow 12" width of a 55g it does become a problem. Acei when full grown can get too big for a 55, Kenyi are normally too mean for a smaller tank like a 55, and a 9" pleco will just keep growing and not only outgrow the 55 but they are big time waste creators and will degrade 55g of water rather quickly. Also Mbuna are a rock dwelling fish and like to have the cracks and crevices of rocks to move around in, and again the 12" width is just not too conductive to doing much rock work.

If you want to keep the 55g and have Mbuna then best thing would be to rehome the Kenyi and the pleco and add some more yellow labs for group of about 8-10 labs. The Johannis may be okay with the Y.labs, I've had them before as well and they can go either way (some have been aggressive and some have been pretty mellow).

 

[james99]

With fewer numbers and pairs aggression will be a major issue. The fish you have are normally stocked in higher numbers and with 1 male to numerous females of each species. Multiple males don't work except with more peaceful species, like labs, or in large tanks. The over stocking helps fish being picked on get lost in the crowd when it's being chased. There are some that are too mean for smaller tanks, like your kenyi, others are ps. Crabro(bumblebees) and melanochromis. There are plenty that work in a 55, they just aren't usually available in most stores.

The pool filter sand RD suggested is a good option, I have it in 3 of my tanks. I think I pay about $8 for 50lbs. If you decide to keep what you have, I would fill the tank with as many rocks as possible to create holes for fish to hide in.