So I started a Malawi Mbuna tank...

[flashpoint]

After testing the waters (so to speak) with angelfish, mollies, and swords, I've decided to set up a Malawi Mbuna tank...

I aquired a small amount of lava rock, and introduced 6 yellow labs - 1 male and 4 females. So far, things are going fine, but as I'm sure you can imagine, a 55G tank with about 50 lbs of lava rock and 6 small yellow labs looks rather empty. After much more investigation/research, I've been thinking that the Pseudotropheus Acei or Melanochromis Johanni would make good companion species fish to the Labidochromis Caeruleus sp "Electric Yellow". Agree/Disagree? Suggestions?

I would like to keep a larger school of smaller fish and only 2 maybe 3 different species...

[The Wedge]

I have 14 Ps. Demonasi with my 6 Labs :19:

[flashpoint]

Only thing about the Demasoni's is that they're so aggressive... I don't want to purchase another 6 of them (at $10 apiece) to end up with only one fish in the tank at the end of the week.

[The Wedge]

I believe they get a bad rap and it is just hit or miss. Never had the problem started with 4 slowly added a couple fish around 10 days apart til I had 14 in a 90 gallon wide...so I am probably understocked as far as the overstocking Mbuna thing goes...as long as you have sufficient rock structure they should be okay. They're actually ONE of the less aggressive of the Pseudotropheus species...I honestly had more aggressive behavior out of my M. Johannii than I ever had out of my Dems. Actually, I would put Johannii in the same class...it might vary day to day. IMO they have one of the best personalities and some of the most bizarre behavior I have seen in any fish. But Hell...I am sure the name DEMONasi has something to do with their behavior. I must just have a heavenly batch. I thought of powder blues before...but if I would stock my tank with a Mbuna again...I would do it exactly the same. They are a brilliant fish both in behavior...and the overall coloration. BTW 10 bucks isn't bad in some places...I've seen them $15. I am sure what ever fish you buy will be perfect for you. Go with the ones that caught your eye first. The Acei are really mild.

[ladyoutlaw50]

I personally love the electric blue johannii's. I have several and they make a nice addition to any tank! Just my thoughts

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

It's hard to go wrong with the P. acei. They are a beautiful fish, and in my experience they are not overly aggressive either.

[Collin1104]

i think the johannis would be great but just remember if your going for a certain color scheme, only the males are blue and black and the females are a dull orange. ive actually never seen a female johanni being sold in any store

[Lab_Rat]

I'd probably go with the maingano cichlid (melanochromis cyaneorhabdos) or cobalt blue cichlids (maylandia callainos). Acei would also look nice and are quite peaceful.

[The Wedge]

powder blue :)

[Dixie]

Is it a standard 55g. tank (48" long by 12"wide)? With malawi the footprint of the tank is more important than the height or gallons.

I have 3 acei in our standard 55g. They are only 3-4" now but get to be 6". I'd really like to get a 5ft. tank(60"x18") because of them.

I agree that maingano (like the fish in my avitar) would be a nice 3rd addition.