What fish can go with mbunas?

Can mbuna fish live with Tanganyikan fish?

The only Tanganyikan’s which are fairly compatible with mbuna are the Tropheus species, which are reasonably aggressive and need a similar, mainly herbivorous diet. Other Tanganyikan’s, and many American cichlids, require a meatier diet which is unsuitable for mbuna.

Are mbunas hardy fish?

Mbunas are hardy fish that can survive a wide range of water conditions. But that doesn’t mean you can pair them up with just about anybody. You should always consider their aggressiveness when selecting ideal partners for them.

What is the best target fish for a Mbuna?

Usually these target fish are quick and robust fish such as danios, barbs and rainbowfish – but they may still lead a somewhat stressful life and in a mbuna tank they are completely unnecessary – keeping the tank well stocked with other mbuna should serve the purpose of reducing specific aggression towards indiviual fish.

What cichlids can I mix with my mbuna?

This may also make them less suitable for mixing with other cichlids, including Tanganyika cichlids. The only Tanganyikan’s which are fairly compatible with mbuna are the Tropheus species, which are reasonably aggressive and need a similar, mainly herbivorous diet.

What is another name for a Mbuna fish?

Some other common names this fish is known by are Golden Mbuna, Golden cichlid, Malawi Golden Cichlid, Golden Pseudotropheus, and of course Mbuna. Auratus are considered moderately difficult in care and not suggested for beginners. These fish, especially the males, are territorial and aggressive.

What kind of catfish can live in a mbuna tank?

There are certain catfish which usually do well in mbuna tanks. The most obvious of these are the Synodontis catfish which live in the Rift Lakes – at least four in Tanganyika and one ( S. njassae) in Lake Malawi.

What size tank does a Mbuna fish need?

In the wild mbuna rarely top 7.5–10cm/3–4in total length but fed rich foods in the aquarium they can reach 12.5–15cm/5–6in. They are aggressive and territorial and you need to keep lots of them, so a large tank is a must. To start right with mbuna a 120cm/4ft tank or larger is best.

Can cichlids be kept with Mbuna fish?

The other cichlids are also less suited to the crowded stocking of a mbuna tank, as many tend to form permanant pairs (unlike the polygamous mbuna), which defend a permanent territory, so they are unlikely to show their natural breeding behaviours in a crowded mbuna tank. Other fish may sometimes be included as “dither” or so-called “target” fish.

What is a Mbuna fish?

The mbuna as they are known (pronounced mmm-boon-a or mu-boon-a,) are hardy, easy to keep, easy to breed, and widely available. One qualification any aquarium fish needs to become really popular is colour, and mbuna deliver this in swathes.

Are mbunas easy to keep in aquariums?

Mbunas are very easy to keep in aquariums, they require very little intervention but in order to keep them successfully you will need to have some basics covered. Number one is space, they love to have space to hide, court and fight, thus a large aquarium is required.

What qualifications do mbuna fish need to become popular?

One qualification any aquarium fish needs to become really popular is colour, and mbuna deliver this in swathes.

Are mbuna cichlids good for freshwater aquariums?

Mbuna cichlids are a must-have for any freshwater aquarium. Colorful, interesting, and with unique personalities, this species of fish can enhance any fish tank set-up, so long as they’re properly cared for.

Are mbuna cichlids good for beginners?

Mbuna cichlids are vibrantly colored fish from Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. They can be finicky, so you may not want these for your first fish tank. Nonetheless, they are colorful fish that don’t require saltwater, which is a rarity. With proper care, including filtration, lighting, and heating, you can keep these fish happy and healthy.

How much do mbuna fish cost?

While not as cheap as goldfish, you can still get your money’s worth, as they range anywhere from $3.99 each to $23.99. It all depends on where you buy your fish and how vibrant you want their coloring to be. Your mbuna tank requirements will, luckily, be fairly straightforward.

What do mbuna fish need to survive?

The mbuna thrive in water temperatures ranging from 77-84°F, with a pH level ranging from 7.5-8.4, and a ammonium nitrite and ammonia content as close to 0ppm (parts per million) as you can manage. Another requirement to their upkeep stems from the mbuna cichlid’s origins.

What is the best catfish for a mbuna tank?

There are certain catfish which usually do well in mbuna tanks. The most obvious of these are the Synodontis catfish which live in the Rift Lakes – at least four in Tanganyika and one ( S. njassae) in Lake Malawi. The most commonly available of these is the striking S. multipunctatus (pictured right) from Tanganyika.

Are You in search of the right tank mate for your cichlids?

Are you in search of the right type tank mate for your Cichlids? The golden rule is that you must only choose fish that will not bully or pick on the Cichlids.

Can you mix cichlids in the same tank?

When choosing Cichlids that are compatible, make sure you choose Cichlids that will occupy a different area of the tank. You can mix bottom living Cichlids with species that are free-swimming. Secondly, you need to ensure that any new fish are of a similar size to your existing fish.

What is a mbuna in Malawi?

In between Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique lies Lake 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 species of mbuna are there?

The Mbuna group can be broken down into several genus levels: These genus contain countless species and new one are discovered by expeditions and scientists. I have tried to compile a list of all Cichlid Species in Lake Malawi, you can download it or search your favorite:

What are the different types of mbuna cichlids?

Notable mbuna cichlids. Many mbuna cichlids are regularly stocked and sold by pet shops. Some of the most common ones are the bumblebee cichlid or hornet ( Pseudotropheus crabro ), golden cichlid ( Melanochromis auratus ), electric yellow or yellow lab cichlid ( Labidochromis caeruleus ), red zebra cichlid ( Maylandia estherae ),…

Are mbuna fish compatible with other fish?

These fish are compatible with others of the same species in large groups, a large tank and numerous rocky places to reside in. If any of these conditions are not met, it could result in numerous fights that could be extremely detrimental to the fish’s health. Malawi bloat is one of the biggest diseases that could affect the mbuna fish.

How big does a Mbuna fish get?

In the wild mbuna rarely top 7.5–10cm/3–4in total length but fed rich foods in the aquarium they can reach 12.5–15cm/5–6in. They are aggressive and territorial and you need to keep lots of them, so a large tank is a must.

What size tank does a Mbuna cichlid need?

Mbuna cichlids are definitely group fish, and they get bigger in captivity than they do in the wild. They’re also highly territorial. This means you’ll need a larger tank to accommodate the number and size of your mbuna cichlids. Fifty-three gallons minimum is your best bet. This means a minimum of four feet, but a larger tank would be even better.