New to cichlids with some questions.. ((Yellow Labs))

[minihorses4ever]

I am thinking about using one of my dad's old 55G and making it into a cichlid tank (Of course after making sure it is safe to use). Anyway, if I do do this, I am thinking I want an African tank. Out of all the African cichlids, the Yellow Labs are the ones that have really caught my eye. What can be safely kept with them? And do I have to have males and females? I do not want any babies (Have already gone that route with my platies.. ). How many cichlids could happily live in a 55G?

Thanks!

 

[Orion]

As far as straight numbers, I'm not one who could help very well. You don't have to have males and females, you can have an all male tank. However don't compare cichlids to platties in terms of parental care. Cichlids are an entirely different beast. Most show some degree of parental care for offspring, some species much more than others. Some will allow older offspring to help take care of newer offspring as well.

As far as tankmates, if you wanted to stick with an mbuna tank you would want to keep to species around the same size as the yellow labs, and that were not that aggressive.

 

[lacie559]

African's are awesome

I have a 60 gallon all mbuna tank. I love my fish and I have my first female holding a brood in here mouth(finally caught her lol) I would suggest checking the library and online info before starting your tank. I currently have 35 africans in my tank, a mix of male and female. Although it sound like alot of fish, the tank mates are always fighting, I cant wait untill I can release my fry into the tank. With african cichlids the more the merrier because there is less victims to be singled out and guarding of breeding territories. I was recommended to keep between 40-50 fish in my tank(If not more)...mind you that the more fish the more waste so when purchasing filters for your fish, THE BIGGER THE BETTER!!!! If you wanted to do a single sex tank, I recommend males, they are the more colorful, but you would have to stock even more because they are more aggressive toward each other.

Hope this helps!!! Good luck with your tank, you'll love your cichlids!!!

 

[Orion]

Just to clarify, lacie559 is talking about mbuna cichlids as far as stocking and male/female ratio's. Not all African cichlids go by the same stocking rules that mbuna do, and each type and species should be researched. The generic term 'African Cichlid' can cover more than 200 different species, so it's important to do which ones your talking about when stocking your tank.