Best Cichlids for new tank

Oct 22, 2002
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#1
Hello all! We just set up a new 46 gallon bow front with Eheim 2026 filter. Currently the tank is cycling and to it we have two cory cats and a big pleco that are going to make it their home.

I want to know about Tanganyikan cichlids. In particular the shell dwellers and those that are on the less aggressive side. What would you suggest for a begginer with cichlids??

Thanks!
Angie
 

1979camaro

Ultimate Fish
Oct 22, 2002
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#2
less agressive is an extremely relative term in this case...even the smallest shell dwellers are very aggresive with heterotypic fish...in a tank of that size, however, you might, might, have success keeping other fish as long there is ample territory, though i firmly believe the corys would become quick casualtys simply because they are so small...if you want shell dwellers do research on lamprologus and neolamprologus specie as well as juliodichromis species...there are many types, and each is unique...some of the least agressive dwarf shell dwellers, however, are Lamprologus kungweensis, L signatus, L similis, L multifasciatus, and L brevis, though in a tank of that size you would not be limited to any of the dwarf species nor would you be as limited numerically as i was in my ten gallon (i keep similis). Furthermore, remember that if you plan to mix species you will not be able to keep as many as if you had only one species in the tank, don't let that deter you however, because there is certainly more visual interest in a tank with a variety of fish, even if it is limited

bear in mind that Lamprologus and Neolamprologus are often used interchangably so if there is confusion, or you can't find Neolamprologus "something" try searching under Lamprologus "something" as well

that kind of scratches the surface, if you come up with some more questions i will do my best to help, there is lots of information out there, and a few other knowledgeable members on this board as well...so ask away and you will find answers

once you get more of an idea of what you like, we can get into habitats and parameters...if you look at http://www.cichlid-forum.com/photogallery/ the gallery is very helpful, as well as the articles and messageboard

Kevin
 

Jun 22, 2003
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#3
When my b/f went to get his cichlids, the guy at the LFS store suggested julies (Julidochromis ornatus) and Neolamprologus brichardi. They are both fairly small, and like to be in schools. Really cute! I am assuming since the fish guy knew it was our first cichlid, he was considering that when making suggestions. (This guy really knows his stuff, I trust what he has to say)
 

DarthV

Small Fish
May 1, 2003
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#5
I wouldn't say that convicts are on the aggressive side of the cichlid world... more like on the lower part of the middle. Unless you have a breeding pair in a smaller tank...then watch out.
 

Jul 9, 2003
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#6
:)

Yes they really are only aggressive during breeding. But very good fish to add contrast with those Mixed Africans or any other cichlid with color. If you are to put Convicts in with a bunch of other cichlids and do not intend to breed them do so only with females. They will be a great addition to your tank.