How many African for a 55g

[blaze phaze]

I have a 55g tank and want to change my setup for an african cichlid tank.. how many fish can I put in the tank for them to be comfortable?

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[dalto]

Depends which specific fish you are talking about. Do you have anything in specific you are looking at?

 

[blaze phaze]

Ya I was looking at the rubescens, the saulosi and the afra cobue

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[toddnbecka]

Peacocks generally need a 75 or larger for a group, and don't mix well with most mbuna other than Labidochromis species. You could keep saulosi and afra in a 55 though. Groups of 6-8 of each species with plenty of rocks for cover.

 

[blaze phaze]

And what about the latifasciata? Will it be ok to mix it with the afra and the saulosi?

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[CoronaBlue]

Anyone else having to look up the scientific name to know what fish is being asked about lol. Ciclids need easier names

 

[toddnbecka]

Latifasciata aren't as aggressive as saulosi, more like the afra as far as disposition. They might work out, colors and patterns are different enough anyway.

 

[blaze phaze]

Ok thank you. And how many should i put? I dont want the tank to be over crowded

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[toddnbecka]

You actually do want the tank to be crowded, that helps keep down aggression. Large frequent partial water changes and heavy filtration to maintain water quality. Stock 6-8 of each species and see how they work out over time.

 

[blaze phaze]

6-8 of each wich means 18 to 24? Isnt that alot of fishes for a 55g tank.. I was thinking a male of each with 2 females each witch would make 9 total. Thats not enough?

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[gilpi]

6-8 of each wich means 18 to 24? Isnt that alot of fishes for a 55g tank.. I was thinking a male of each with 2 females each witch would make 9 total. Thats not enough? Sent from my SGH-I747M using Aquarium Advice mobile app

I think 9 could work. I usually keep 12-15 in a 55g. Even with that many you still need to keep an eye out for a trouble maker.

 

[blaze phaze]

Ok thanks.

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[toddnbecka]

Better with 3 females than 2, and most African cichlid broods are male-heavy. Unless you vent them it's almost impossible to sex juvies. Crowding isn't a problem if you keep up with water changes.

 

[gilpi]

Better with 3 females than 2, and most African cichlid broods are male-heavy. Unless you vent them it's almost impossible to sex juvies. Crowding isn't a problem if you keep up with water changes.

100% on the water change on any tank but especially overstocked!


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[mactec47]

I have 16 various cichlids in a 55gal , sized down from 30 fish. It has been a month since I downsized, It is true that a trouble maker or 2 will show up and show out. I isolated one of them in a pet carrier inside the tank and the other aggressor still tries to attack , of course to no avail. It gives a new meaning to beating one's head up against the wall.


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