new to the cichlid world

[dolphinstj]

I just purchased 4 kenyi cichlids. two male two female. I have them in a 20 or 25 gallon tank. Not sure of the size cause it was given to me. Will they outgrow this tank? how quickly do they grow? Are they super aggressive with there young as other cichlids? and they are in the tank with a 6-7 inch pleco, will that be a problem?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Kenyi, more appropriately known as Lombardoi, will grow fairly quickly and reach a size of about 5" max. They will most certainly outgrow your tank, and sooner then you may like. They are extremely aggressive cichlids and in a tank that size you will end up with just one remaining eventually. 55 gallons is the minimum tank size I would recommend for these guys, and even in that tank you will only be able to get away with one male.

Yes, I understand they are doing fine now, but aggression when they are mature is a completely different story. Have you read the pinned mbuna post?

Pleco's are generally not a problem, but there are no guarantees with these cichlids. I'm, a little concerned about a 7 inch, still growing pleco in a 20 gallon tank though.

 

[cardak]

addict is right about that. Now if 2 pair off (becomes a brooding pair) slight chance, the 2 will stress everything in the tank in the future. Aggression is bad when they mature, just multiply it by 2 or 3 when they pair off. Your going to need a nice 90 gal tank to hold them if anything. Then your pleco's will be fine.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Cardak, Mbuna are not monogomous fish and do not pair of. A male will breed indiscriminately with any female (even some other species) and will be very aggressive toward the females. I would be just as worried about the female as the the rest of the fish, if not more so.

 

[dolphinstj]

alright, I will plan on upgrading the tank soon. thank you. Is there any other good tankmates in a 55 or 90 gallon? The pleco has stopped growing, or at least hasnt grew in 4 months. Im keeping an eye on him. Also, would ghost shrimp help tank cleanliness or just be a food item in short time?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Ghost shrimp would be food sooner then later. There are many fish that would work in those tanks, a lot of the choice comes down to what is available in your area, unless you can order online. Some popular ones are Pseudotropheus Socolofi, Pseudo. sp., Melanochromis Johanni, Labidochromis sp., Maylandia Estherae, and Cynotilapia Afra.