That's a fair question. Sure, I can explain. Information from different so-called experts frequently conflict. I had set out for my Local Pet Store with intentions to purchase a couple of Ruby Reds. However, they did not have any in stock. With cash in hand and an itch to purchase new fish, I asked the owner of the place (who has a reputation locally of being an expert in the Cichlid field) what would go with my current Cichlids. He showed me the Johanni, which no doubt is a very nice-looking Malawi Cichlid. He assured me that it was compatible with my fish, so purchased it.
On the way home I stopped at another LPS to ask them about it. They told me that, if anything, the Johanni would be at risk since it would not get as large as the other tankmakes.
When I got home and added it to the tank I looked it up, and posted a few questions on a few message boards (I didn't know this one existed at the time). Every response I got back was that the Johanni was way too aggressive to go my other fish, and that it would no doubt kill some or all of them eventually. I called the LPS back where I purchased it and asked them about these findings, but they again reassured me that they had been in the business for 10+ years and there has never been a problem with them being with less aggressive fish. They were actually rather affronted that I challenged them about it.
Honestly at this point I had been through several conflicts of opinions on a wide variety of things regarding Rift Lake Cichlids, and I had rather had it with opinions and conflicts thereof. In addition, I (and the others in my family) had become rather attached to the new addition. So I decided that I would follow my own instincts, monitor them daily. If I had any injuries (or casualties) then I would consider it a lesson learned and take the Johanni out of the tank. Well it's been a couple of months and there have been no problems. However, there is no guarantee that once they juveniles come of age that one day I will come home to learn a hard lesson. I will post back if this is the case.
Now, in hindsight, with that being said here is my recommendation (advice that I plan to follow henceforth): Don't but Cichlids without first researching them and making sure they are compatible. I was new to Cichlids and didn't know any better. Resist having impulse purchases, or just trusting the advice of an LPS. Take note of what they have in inventory, then take the time to go home and research. No doubt there will be conflicts of opinion, but I would go with the popular opinion before committing to a purchase. It's easier to decide not to buy something then to decide whether to remove a questionable species that you have grown fond of.
JD
