save or euthanize?

[annie p]

Got up this morning to my elongatus auratus with its tail fin completely gone, and most other fins gone. Unfortunately he was still quick enough to not get caught, theres alot of rock to hide in and I had pressing issues at work and needed to leave. Im getting outa here early because of that, but should i try to save it? Its pretty pathetic. Its the only male of that species I have, but have other males, one in particular is highly suspect. Maybe by the time I get home I won't have to worry about it. Mbunas are mean.......

[btate617]

Honestly thats all part of keeping cichlids. Its up to you on what to do, but there is a good chance once this fish is gone the one you suspect that did it will find someone else to pick on. Or maybe not. Something else to think about if it happens again get rid of the one doing it, but be ready for another fish to take the dominant roll of the tank. It may take some time to find a balance.

Also tell us what size tank, tank mates, and maint schedule. You may or may not be able to add more fish which will help with aggression.

Brian

[annie p]

its a 55g and all mbuna. This is the first "real" aggression. 13 fish total. I do weekly w/c and theres always fry in there. I may try to catch and save this next batch of fry. If the fish is still alive I'm going to put him in the freezer. Someone wants him dead and they are not likely to stop.


also tank has been up for almost a year and latest additions were at least 4-5 months ago......
my LFS has some true electric blues I was thinking of getting some.....

[btate617]

If it were me, and this may not work for everyone, with the right setup like rock work and such I would aim for about 20-25 fish in a 55gal. I would look for fish that stay under the 4" mark. I wouldn't worry about aggression during breeding because in a mbuna tank there will always be aggression.
If you have an extra tank dont throw that fish out yet, you may be able to save it.

Brian

[annie p]

K thanks!! I love it when I'm told I should get more fish!!!!

[Mith]

I have a 125 and have probably 50 plus fish.....the idea is to distribute the agression with more fish I'm told. I had one species (dont know what theyre called) and started out with about 6-7 fish. I now have 2 of those, they killed each other off!. More fish and more rocks to hide in I'm told short of removing the aggressor.

Good luck.

[William]

13 mbuna in a 55 does sounds low. they "need" (it helps) to be densely stocked to help with aggression.

[Sharon]

Agreed! They are mean, and they need the proper setup in order to lessen aggression. More fish, lots of filtration, and LOTS of rockwork. When you think you have enough rocks, add MORE!:hmm3grin2orange: