I need to pick some brains

[Ickletas]

I've been having a mooch around the interweb lately trying to find shellies for my next tank whick will either be a 55l or 105l (I have both in a cupboard under the stairs just waiting to be let out). Anyway on my travels around cyberspace I happened across a breeder selling some Nicholsi dwarf mouthbrooders (Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi). I was wondering if anyone has had any experience of these fish. Any help is, as always, greatly appreciated.

 

[toddnbecka]

Ya, I tried keeping 2 pairs of them in a 55 (200+l) some years ago. Do not play well with others of their own species, not a problem for most other fish. The females were killed rather early on, not one of my spawning success stories. Males are beautiful, shame they're so homicidal.

 

[Ickletas]

Grr I had a feeling that that might be the case. This makes me a bit sad. Is it possible that a single pair or 1m and 2/3f could be kept in the 105l as long as move the holding female/s into a seperate tank? From what I have read the males only really get narky with unresponsive/holding females that are in their territory. Otherwise I might have to have a look for some Egyptians instead as from what I have read they are less aggressive.

 

[toddnbecka]

In a 4' tank the dominant male claimed the whole thing as his territory. Other folks have had better luck with them, not sure why or how though. Maybe 3-4 females and some dither fish? I had the same result with some Victorian Hap's; the females got killed not too long after they arrived, then all but a couple of males.

 

[Ickletas]

Boo back to the search for shellies it is then. Well until I can get a green light from the old fart to get another big tank. Thanks for your help, much appreciated