Malawi Cichlids

[SharonC]

I have two Electric Yellows and Two Blue Kenyis... in a 29 gal. tank. I did do research but I misunderstood the aggression level of these fish!!! I've since done more research, and most opinions are that the 29 gal. will not work long term. Any opinions??? I really don't want to upgrade tank size as I also have a 5 gal. and a 55 gal. Got the fish from WalMart and I don't think they take fish back. I started the cichlid tank about 5 weeks ago and fish have grown a LOT!! .. and they seem really healthy. How big will they be before the tank size causes them to kill each other... and is this a definite outcome???

 

[bluedollars]

almost all cichlids besides shelldwellers need 55 gallons minimum....most cichlids again besides shell dwellers hit 4 inches the minumum when fully adult...kenyis reach 6 inches when fully an adult...electric yellow reach 5 inches...you need to get another tank asap...either that or find another pet shop maybe famiyl owned that will take them...i never buy fish from walmart most are extremely unhealthy and walmart will not go into any extra work to find someone who knows about fish...

how big are they...measure them from tail to lip...only that measurement can tell you how long u have until u need another tank

 

[dthoffsett]

Its not so much the size of the adult fish w/mbuna, as it is the natural agression levels that cause problems. Your kenyis are very territorial even in a large tank, and while yellow labs are fairly relaxed, they will become aggressive in a small tank. Unless you upgrade to at least a four foot tank, the most likely result will be one fish killing off the other three. If you don't want to upgrade, I suggest finding somewhere to trade them in, sell them locally, or post them in the buy, sell, and swap section http/www.fishforums.net/Buy-Sell-and-Swap-f27.html.

Once you get rid of them, if you are still interested in cichlids, check out the shelldwellers of Lake Tanganyika, which would be suitable for your tank size. http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_29g.php

 

[platy18]

are u sure they are not hyrbrids mine isent an electric yellow i thought it was when i got him from
there to and he only got bigger his color changed and he killed my other fish. try posting some pics.