New Kenyi cichlids

[hc8719]

New cichlid member here. Yesterday I spotted some beautiful kenyi cichlids for only $3.99 and got two blue females (males typically arent yellow until they're big enough)

As i looked more up on this cichlid, i found that for Mbuna cichlids in particular should not be fed worms of any type. I only payed this one site heed, because when reading up on these fish before purchasing them, i had read the same thing prior.

1.Could someone please explain (anyone that has knowledge on Mbunas) why they should not be fed worms (blood, tubifex....). And what will happen, should these guys sneak in a tubifex or bloodworm?

2. Are only males aggressive, or are females too (and to what degree)

3. I've seen petsmart sell these guys large for $22 for assorted cichlids. Could someone give me a heads up on what they normall cost?

Thanks

[Fishyfanatic]

1. The Kenyi is an Omnivore which means that it should be fed a variety of vegetable based foods. You can occasionally feed a meaty item, but not often. In the wild they feed off of plants and algae.

2. The males and females are both aggressive. I have three (2F, 1M) and notice that the male is the most aggressive. But females can be just as aggressive. Africans are unpredictable fish and their attitude varies individually.

3. I paid around $5 when they were about 2 inches in size.

[DeFeKt]

in addition to fishyfanatics already good advice, the meaty products are to high in protein for them and have been known to cause the likes of bloat.

[Voodoo Chilli]

Kenyi are mbuna, and mbuna are primarily herbivores. If given a diet too rich in animal proteins, they're very likely to develop Malawi Bloat, a very nasty- and usually fatal- conditon.

I'd suggest a spirulina-based diet to keep them healthy.

Be prepared for aggression from both the males and females: they're one of the most aggressive African species commonly available in shops.

[hc8719]

thanks for the replies guys...

do they really tear up plants like their profile says they do? i was just considering getting a bunch of java fern. most fish wont eat it, will they?

[Fishyfanatic]

Mbuna are known for destroying plants. There are only a few that do well in planted tanks. Kenyi's are not one of them. You could try mixing, but it probably won't turn out very well. African Cichlids are notorious diggers. They like to aquascape the substrate.

[DeFeKt]

i've only ever had success with java ferns and vallis
not because they eat them but because they tear them from the ground

[Voodoo Chilli]

Java ferns will probably be fine if anchored to tank decor, rather than rooted in the substrate.

[DeFeKt]

am I invisible?

[hc8719]

thanks voodoo, though i was really hoping defket could give me an answer, guess he forgot