How many mbunas in a 55g?

[lilcam]

I've seen ppl from other forums who I think are overstocking their tanks. I've concentrated on those with 50-55g tanks and they seem to have about 10-20 fishes w/o any problems. Supposedly they stop the agression between all the fishes.

After doing my research I realize my two mbunas will grow up to 3inches. Right now I think they are at that and I'm hesitent to get some juveniles to add to my 55g tank. Having 5 fishes in it will be boring so I was trying to get 3-4 more.

 

[Swordtail8]

I have read that the more fish you have in a mbuna tank, the more the aggression is divided so no fish gets picked on 24/7. If many other people do put 10-20 mbunas in there 55 gallon tanks w/o problems then you probably could too. I'm sure you could have at least 10 in the tank anyways.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

What kind do you have? Most Mbuna get up to 5-6". But yes, just like in the wild there are more fish in concentrated areas. They are really packed in. It doesn't stop aggression, just spreads it out.

I'd say 12-15 Mbuna would be good for a 55gal. Depending on their aggression level and such.

 

[mike the zealot]

Some cookie cutters, mbuna included:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I'm not a fan of their cookie cutters myself.

 

[lilcam]

Here are the two africans. The blue one is the king of the tank.

one

two

My two texas cichlids are kinda boring. I might give them up and get another convict. I only feed them dried bloodworms every so often. I give them flakes everyday as their primary food.