Labidochromis Caeruleus and Pseudotropheus Saulosi

[Ricey]

how many Labidochromis Caeruleus (electric yellow labido) and Pseudotropheus Saulosi could i keep together in a 56 US Gallon tank?

are these two compatible with each other? I know thw electric yellows are faily docile.

thanks for any help

 

[keane]

B) Hi,

IMO, after some TFF questioning and other research, my view is that you can happily keep up to 15 - 20 Mbuna in a 55 gallon tank that has plenty of rocky hiding places.

Mbuna need to be overstocked (within reason) to help curb their aggression.

The two fish you mention are a good choice and if these are the only two breeds you want I would recommend you keep them in equal numbers and more females than males. Also, try and introduce as many as possible in one go. This is opposed to putting in just a couple at a time and then early territories being laid out before all your other new fish are introduced. The less aggression the better.

Personally, I would suggest adding another third breed and possibly a couple of catfish (bristlenose are a good choice) as a clean up crew.

Take a look at the link below, which gives some ideas for a 55 gallon tank. I have been using this cichlid forum to learn more, work out what species goes with what and find out what they prefer for a tank set up.

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

hth

steve B)

 

[Ricey]

many thanks!

 

[Ferris]

I agree, your choices are good. I'd definately go with some bottomfeeders though, Bristlenose Plecs are great, a Sailfin plec should also work and most Synodontis catfish are perfect for Cichlids.

 

[freddyk]

If you're not inclined to add a third species, then don't. The less species in a tank, the better for aggression. You'll end up with a limit of 2 or 3 males Saulosi in the tank, and you'll be lucky if 2 get their full color.

The number of mbuna also depends on how diligent you are with maintenance. 20 or even 25 mbuna will do well ina 55, but be prepared for a messy tank - it requires a rigid routine and above par filtration. I'd go for the 15 mark if you prefer a more relaxed routine. Neither of these species is overly aggressive, so severe overcrowding in't necessary.

The only thing I'd like to express as a concern is diet. Labs are insectivores, while saulosi are omnivores leaning toward herbivores, and are fairly susceptable to bloat.

As far as bottom feeders, I feel they're a great addition to any tank, but again, don't feel you need to, there's never leftover food in an mbuna setup. Also keep in mind that it's not easy to cator to predatory catfish and herbivorous mbuna in the same tank.

I also recommend avoiding plecos, so that algae can grow on the rocks - algae grazing is one of the natural behaviours of these fish, and keeps them occupied with something other then fighting and breeding.

Good luck.

 

[Ricey]

thanks for the info freddyk. very helpful!

I had read a bit about the different diets, what and how should i feed them?

 

[freddyk]

Variety is the key to getting enough for all of them. Spirulina flakes, and standard flakes or pellets are a typical staple diet. Brine shrimp are a good occasional supplement - the labs can thrive on brine shrimp, but the saulosi can only take so much. Worms are definate no for any of them. Fresh veggies are a nice supplement - peas, cucumber, lettuce, spinnach, zucchini, all good stuff.