How Many Africans To A 40 Gallon

**D21right** · 11-25-2011, 08:43 PM

I have 2 Africans as of now that I can get and put into a 40 Gallon but Im not sure if that is big enough, and I may only be getting one depending on what kind of response I get from the forum. I am hoping both would be possible but if not then I will just go with one and be happy. Im not new to fish but I am new too Africans kind of. Please Help if You can.

**sheamurai** · 11-26-2011, 12:07 AM

You'll have to tell us what kind of Africans you have. 40gal likely is not really big enough, but it depends on what you have.
Shellies would be quite happy in a 40.

**D21right** · 11-26-2011, 12:29 AM

Sorry I have 1 Red Zebra and a Blue Johanni

**kaybee** · 11-26-2011, 01:59 PM

Mbuna's such as red zebra's and johanni's are best kept in a tank that is at least 48" diameter (55gal minimum, 75gal+ preferrable). Smaller tanks have a way of increasing aggression in a tank (it's quite easy for a hyperdominant alpha male to claim much if not all of a small tank as it's exclusive territory).

A 40gal would work well for juveniles for awhile, and a 40gal breeder might even work for the very least aggressive of mbuna species.

In the smallest of suggested mbuna tank sizes, a 55gal, you could stock a minimum of 8-10, or overstock to double those numbers.

Keeping less than 8 can cause aggression to elevate, and overstocking (while minimizing overall aggression) will require additional aquarium husbandry.