Africans

[Angelfish56]

So I went to a pet store today and they said african Cichlid have to be packed like sardines so they don't kill each other is this true

 

[mfdrookie516]

No. If they were packed like sardines, they would suffocate as the can does not allow oxygen in.

 

[severum mama]

No. They are talking specifically about Malawi Mbuna. For other Malawi such as peacocks, or African riverine cichlids like buffalo head or kribs, or other rift lake cichlids such as Tanganyika and Victoria, this doesn't work. In addition, "packing them like sardines" isn't a good explanation at all IMO. Overcrowding does tend to help with Mbuna aggression, but only when the fish are stocked in appropriate sex ratios. Usually this means one male for every 3-5 females.

 

[Angelfish56]

Ok and they also said 14g would be good for some of the assorted Africans they have there since they only get 4 to 3 inches and if so how many would fit

 

[severum mama]

None. 14 gallons is much, much too small for any African Rift Lake cichlid other than some of the smaller Tanganyikan shell dwellers. Mbuna really belong in a minimum of 55 gallons.

 

[Angelfish56]

It's like the stores don't know anything

 

[severum mama]

Caveat emptor.

It's on the hobbyist to research a fish's needs before purchasing it. Good on you for asking here first.

 

[mfdrookie516]

It's like the stores don't know anything

I see it no different than a car dealership.. do you let the salesman tell you what you want or do you research it first?

 

[doogle]

surprisingly petsmart here is actively trying to inform customers about size,compatability,and tank/water conditions, and always asking the customer questions...at least they are not just making a sale...

 

[Josh]

They'll lie to you to make a sell. Most merchants are not to be trusted at face value. While it is rare, you can sometimes find decent fish stores that are in it solely to make money, but actually care for the fish.

 

[doogle]

there are always a couple bad apples at every chain store, but the vets and manager are trying their best, at least they are informed and not just making a sale, they wont sell/guarentee fish they know you shouldnt have any business getting