Compatability Question

[aharris]

This is just a strange idea I've been toying with for the last couple of months.

I have a group of Altocomps Mwela that I would like to eventually get a trio or quad out of. I would eventually (1 - 2 yrs from now) move them into my 55g tank. I've been toying with possible tank mates for them.

I've been fascinated by the Malawi Aulonocara for a long time, and I was wondering if I could keep a trio of one of the smaller, less boisterous varieties (hansbaenschi, hueseri, stuartgranti) with my Altocomps.

I know there is a certain train of thought that the species from the two lakes should not be mixed, but these fish are described as quieter cichlids that prefer quieter tankmates. As far as I can tell from early research, both should do well on a diet of shrimp mix, cichlid flake, and frozen brine, bloodworms on occasion.

This would spare my Altocomps from trying to get enough protein in my large tank where I'm feeding a 75%-50% veggie diet.

I was also hoping that since the peacocks would be mouth brooders, I would have less fry-munching issues with the Altocomps who are currently supplementing themselves with the occasional juli fry.

[merlyn2221]

I know that most people here believe the issue of the two lakes should be separate, but I have broken that rule for my A. compressiceps "mwela." He is in the 55g with 8 peacocks of various genus and has had no problem thus far. I don't have room for another large tank, so I had no choice if I wanted to keep him and the peacocks.

(Shhh, don't say this too loud either, but I have a Tropheus moori "pemba flame," a Frontosa, and some Lake Victorians in the tank as well.)

[SGypsyMermaid]

my 70 gal. has malawi haps, victorian haps, and frontosas.:sygypsy: :nyah:

[merlyn2221]

:dance:

Thank goodness you replied! I can come out of the "fish cabinet" now and admit it...

I have a tank with mixed lake fish!!!!!:D

[Boilermaker]

Merlyn your thinking of that other forum:rofl: . I started the 125 with three diff. lakes.

[merlyn2221]

:rofl2:

Yeah, that's it...the "other" forum...I knew I heard it somewhere! :rolleyes: :rofl:

The "old fish guy" at the lfs where I get my beauties mixes everything with everything! He has been doing it for 40+ years and never had a problem.
I've seen his many, many tanks and it seems to have worked well for him, Only thing he complains about is the amount of spawning that goes on. :lol:
He calls them "horny little guys" and has 5 growout tanks and about 10 "nursuries" and even with that, he lets some of the mothers just stay in the main tanks and let the fry fend for themselves.

And I thought I was bad!:D