difference between africans and americans?

[WorldNation]

what are some of the main differences? and why is it not a good idea to mix them?

can they theoretically be mixed? i had 4 ppet owners tell me they can(as long as i dont mix too much, like have an african tank, with a couple americans.), and 2 of them i know very weel since i had tropical fish and their advice has never steared me wrong. ive seen these guys tanks myself, and thats what theyve been doing, like most african with 205 americans in there.

[SGypsyMermaid]

one of the reasons that i advise against mixing them is the social dynamics...for instance, when a lake cichlid shivers/quivers in front of another fish, it either means "get out of my territory", or "let's mate"...depending on whether the fish is facing a male or a female. an american cichlid is not likely to recognize the death threat.

many south american cichlids like soft and/or low ph water...whereas lake cichlids for the most part need hard, alkaline water. though they are very adaptive and will thrive in a broad range of water parameters.

a third reason is dietary requirements--for instance, most mbuna require a lot of vegetable matter in their diets.

all that being said, it can be done, but you have to choose your species very carefully.

[FishoPhile J]

i have 2 convicts (S. Amer.) in a 30 gal with 5 mbunas (african)... i know a guy that kept oscars(s.a.), discus(s.a.), and guramiis(?) in with africans and had things work out. Personally, i don't think cichlids are nearly as fragile and picky as everyone makes them out to be, however, the main concern is water quality. SA cichlids usually like a lower ph and softer h20 than africans, but do some homework and pick some "hardy" species and they'll probably[i:9cf8e315d1][/i:9cf8e315d1] be ok.

[WorldNation]

thnx again:) i have 12 africans with 2 american texas' now(got rid of my severums)