What are the least aggressive mbuna?

Are mbuna cichlids territorial?

Mbuna are colourful, hardy cichlids that are easy to breed in the aquarium. But they’re also highly territorial fish, so get things wrong and you could have a blood bath. Here’s how to avoid a rocky horror… Above: Cynotilapia afra has the mbuna’s classic blue vertical bars.

When do mbuna cichlids start to breed?

Mbuna cichlids generally begin breeding by the time they have grown to a length of 3 inches – this usually occurs when they are about 1 year old. Males of the species are usually larger than females and more brightly colored – the dominant male of any territory will be the most brightly colored.

What is a Mbuna cichlid?

The name Mbuna Cichlids is generally used to describe any of the rock-dwelling species of cichlids native to Lake Malawi. These cichlids are some of the most aggressive and territorial of all cichlid species so they generally need to be kept alone or in large tanks.

Can mbuna fish breed in a mixed tank?

See the profiles in the Fish Index for more details of sexing individual species. If good water quality is maintained, the mbuna will breed readily in the aquarium, even in a crowded mixed mbuna tank. Left to their own devices, some fry will occasionally survive, especially if there is plenty of rockwork to hide among.

How many species of cichlids are there in Malawi?

It’s over 11,000 square miles and is home to around 850 species of cichlids. These species are broken down into groups, but the most common and easy to care for group are the Mbuna. Mbuna, pronounced “boo-nuh”, is a word from the Tonga people of Malawi that means “rockfish”.

How many mbuna can you have in a tank?

Having only a small number of mbuna in a tank always result in the death of the least-dominate fish. So never have less than six fish of any one species, use a tank of at least 200 liters size, and double the usual stocking limit of your aquarium.

How many cichlids are there in Lake Malawi?

At least 1650 species of Cichlids have been described in the world and new ones are being discovered. The actual number of Cichlid species found in Lake Malawi debated but it is believed that there are over 1000, with more than 350 endemic. Many are vulnerable or endangered.

How are cichlids classified and named?

Due to the overwhelming species found in the lake, classifying cichlids and also naming the species is a very hard thing to do. Many of the cichlids found are given the prefix of the location where they are located.

How much light do mbuna fish need?

Fortunately, mbuna are not the least bit light shy and will happily swim under the bright lights that the plants require. Use at least 1 watt of fluorescent or metal halide lighting for every 2 liters of tank capacity. Since no reasonably priced tank top supplies this much light, you are forced to build your own top. Sorry.

What are the most commonly kept African cichlids?

Most African cichlids kept in the aquarium hobby come from lake Malawi, but there are other lakes with thousands of species. I will be discussing the most commonly kept cichlids from Lake Malawi and the 3 Genus or groups they come in which are Peacocks, Haplochromis or Haps for short, and Mbunas.

How to keep Malawi cichlids in an aquarium?

Overstock the aquarium to reduce aggression. Start with less aggressive species. Minimum Tank Size: 90 cm (36 in) Environment: Clean, well-filtered water. Open swimming space, plus rock work for caves and hiding spaces. Ideal conditions For Malawi Cichlids. The best-known rift lake in fishkeeping is Lake Malawi.

How many species of fish live in Lake Malawi?

But there are more than 600 species of fish – the Malawi Cichlids, that feed primarily of algae and the tiny organisms that live within them. There are also invertebrate feeders and almost as many fish-eating cichlids in Lake Malawi as there are algal grazers.

What are Malawi cichlids?

Malawi Cichlids are those endemic to a rift lake in Africa called Lake Malawi. There are a number of different genus of cichlids that can be found in Lake Malawi but one of the largest is the Haplochromis genus – fishes belonging to this genus are commonly called Hap cichlids.

Why don’t we just keep male and female African cichlids together?

The reason why we don’t just keep that ratio in a tank is because the most colorful African Cichlids are the males. They brighten up and use their color and fin span to attract and persuade the females.

How do I care for my Malawi cichlids?

Lake Malawi Cichlids don’t tolerate high temperatures so well, so be careful not to place the aquarium in a place where it is exposed to the sun, which will raise the temperature. An aquarium heater is a good item to have and will help to be preventing any fluctuations in temperature. Filtration is standard as with any other fish tank.

How to decorate a lake Malwai cichlid tank?

Try and use a darker substarte as this will replicate their natural environment and it will also bring out the colours of the fish. There are also other things you can use as decorations in a Lake Malwai Cichlid tank such as clay pots. These are attractive and also provide excellent shelter for the fish.

Why is Lake Malawi such a unique underwater ecosystem?

These colourful fish are found all over the world, but are abundant in Lake Malawi – proof of its credentials as a truly unique underwater ecosystem. In recognition of Lake Malawi’s invaluable species and exceptional biodiversity, the waterway was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1980.

How many species of cichlids are there in Lake Malawi?

Lake Malawi Cichlid Species List: 1 Demasoni Cichlid 2 Dogtooth 3 Electric Yellow Cichlid 4 Golden Mbuna Cichlid 5 Kenyi Cichlid 6 Livingstoni Cichlid 7 Maingano Cichlid 8 Peacock Cichlid 9 Red Cap Lethrinops 10 Red Cheek Tropheops More items…

What is Malawi bloat in cichlids?

Malawi Bloat Malawi bloat is a type of aquarium fish disease that is most common among African cichlids. This disease manifests in the form of symptoms such as swelling in the abdomen, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, discolored feces and lolling at the bottom of the tank.

Why are my African cichlids fighting?

All the males will be fighting for dominance, attacking each other to get the females attention. The hierarchy will shift continuously and there will be no piece. When trying to breed African Cichlids the key is to have a 5-1 ratio of females and males, meaning 5 females for every 1 male.

What is the most colorful African cichlid to keep in a tank?

The reason why we don’t just keep that ratio in a tank is because the most colorful African Cichlids are the males. They brighten up and use their color and fin span to attract and persuade the females. Females are a bland/grayish color and wont make your tank pop.

How to breed African cichlids?

When trying to breed African Cichlids the key is to have a 5-1 ratio of females and males, meaning 5 females for every 1 male. The reason why we don’t just keep that ratio in a tank is because the most colorful African Cichlids are the males. They brighten up and use their color and fin span to attract and persuade the females.

How to set up a Lake Malawi cichlid aquarium?

Setting up an appropriate tank for Lake Malawi Cichlids. When your aquarium arrives, you will need to put in some simple but important equipment. First off, you will need an air pump, along with an air stone. This will help in circulating fresh air into the tank, enabling the fish to breathe freely. Next, you will need a filter for your tank.

How to choose the best cichlids for your tank?

You should make sure that their tank mates are able to handle their precise water parameters. This means the best options are different types of nonaggressive cichlids.

What should I do if my cichlids have spawned?

After your cichlids have spawned your first move should be to remove the parent fish from the tank if the species you are breeding does not exhibit parental care. Mouthbrooding species of cichlid and some other species actually care for their fry for several days (or longer) after they hatch.