New To Cichlids, Please Help!

[mark1980]

Hi, I am thinking about setting up my new tank with a view to keeping Malawi Cichlids. I have read the type of tank set up that I require but apart from that I am unsure about anything else that is different to keeping community fish.
I am aware they require alkaline water and the fish are generally more expensive to buy. Is there any other major factor I need to know about these fish before keeping them? Thanks, Mark

 

[kj23502]

They are aggressive. Some will actually kill other fish when trying to defend their territory.

Some get to 3" and some to 8" so research first, especially if you're having them in a smaller tank (preferably not less than 48" unless the width makes up for some of the lack of length).

One 3" species (Demasoni) is very territorial and have been known to terrorize other fish of similar coloring if they are in "his" territory. Acei get to 7" and are gennerally more peaceful. Size doesn't matter for aggression, as you can see from these examples. Do a lot of searches to read about them.

Don't always believe what your fish store says. They are there to sell fish.

All this info applies for Mbuna.



Kj

 

[Truck]

may i recomend you give rams ago first?