Any problem with Mixing Malawi Cichilids????

[GeneralGoldeneye]

I want to get different kinds of cichlids would there be any problems with them in one tank

[kaybee]

What kinds of Malawi cichids and what species are you considering?

There are three general groups (mbuna's, peacocks, & haps).

Mixing of the groups can be done (as you have done with the s. fryeri and l. caeruleus you have together) but there can be some problems when full maturity is achieved.

Ideally, cichlids within those groups are best kept with malawi's belonging to their same group (such as various mbuna species together, etc).

[GeneralGoldeneye]

yea I do have 2 labs witch are mbuna's right and i have 3 haps. I was thinking about getting Blueberry OB Zebra and Elongatus Jewel Spot witch are mbuna's I dont care about cross breeding if they do its my tank and I dont plan on selling any or anything

[sanddigger]

The Oscar will not fit with any tank, he'll need the 75g (at least) for himself.

Labs are very docile and would mix better with rusty's. Pretty color comb. if you keep the two together. They are the most least aggessive of the Malawis ? how do you know that you have a male and female labs without venting? If the lfs told you,...???(Just a beware of lfs) Sometimes you can help them with knowledge. And create a great relationship.

Research your fish BEFORE you buy. HAPS get large and require a different diet.

It sounds like you might like Mbuna's/Malawi's. They all grow from 4-6" long but have different temperments.

Labeotrophuses, Melanochromis, Malandia, can be compatible, but again, you must think about colors, male, female ratio, age.

For the most part just enjoy what you love like the rest of us. Do lots of WC and enjoy the swmmiers:c3:

[GeneralGoldeneye]

I ordered my females online and they allready sexed them

[TRDNiteLife]

I wouldn't mix Haps with Mbuna. I believe the Haps are more open water fish while the Mbuna are rock fish. Also like sanddigger mentioned, the Haps generally grow to be larger. I'm in the process of overstocking my tank for aggression reasons. If it fails, the problem fish can be traded in. If it succeeds, the tank will be beautiful. So far it's working very well.

[GeneralGoldeneye]

I have not had any problems with my fish

[TRDNiteLife]

I have not had any problems with my fish

How long have you had them? Are they juveniles or adults? What kind of Haps do you have? If your fish are young they're usually less aggressive and get along. I'm talking about possible issues in the long run. The Jewel Spot is a nice fish.

[Fishguy2727]

Mbunas with haps are possible, it is more likely to work out better in a larger tank though. The smaller ones like electric blue ahlis stay at about the same size as mbunas. They will keep the population from exploding. The brilliant blue on a mature male is quite a site. The others may not be the best idea because of size issues.

Diet can be an option depending on what you are feeding. I feed New Life Spectrum which would be ideal for any of them.

If you decide to try a mix you simply have to keep a close eye on things and be willing to take some back to the store if needed.

On a side note, the best layout may be something like two rock piles, one at each end, with some open area in the middle. This would meet the needs of all the fish in there.