Mbuna compatability

[cknott1048]

i have 1-cobalt, 3 - rusty, 3 yellow labs, 1 - labidochromis mbamba, 3 neolamprologus Brichardi, 1 - sciaenchromis fryeri, 1- cobalt, and 2 unknowns. In a 70 gal. tank, are these fish compatible? The 2 unknowns came from work. They were about 1/2 " long, and i couldn't leave them there to be eaten by the larger africans that were 3". so all in all i have fish ranging in size from 1/2" to 1-1/2" in my tank.

[EcoMarine2003]

Well fish will be fish no matter what and cichlids can get aggressive. It dont sound to me like you sould have a problem but I would be keeping my eyes on those brichardi as they get older.. At there size right now they should be allright, however dont be suprised if when your fish get older and more mature you start having fights and possibly casualties.. Males from Malawi tend to be extremely territrial and as the bricardi are tanganykan they grow slower even though they to have tempers.. Im thinking your setup (assuming there is plenty of hiding places) will be a very fine temporary home.. Just keep in mind all fish are different just like humans and Ive heard of some pretty weird tank mates in the past that are still dong excellent. best of luck on yours.

[NyassaeMan]

Starting them out as tankmates early definately helps. It's a kind of hit and miss ting with aggression IMO. Just keep an eye on everything as they grow as I'm sure you will based on your comments concerning the welfare of the "little ones".

I would stress the need for tiny hiding places mixed in with larger hiding areas....and a side of the tank with just smaller hiding places.