Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => Old World => Topic started by: LoveTheFishies on March 28, 2013, 07:36:03 PM

Title: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: LoveTheFishies on March 28, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
I picked up some fish from Oyers a couple weeks ago.  Liked the color and pattern of the Haplochromis sp.44, even though I didn't know much about them, so I got 4 of them.  When I was browsing, I indicated I wanted a "calmer" cichlid tank.  (yes I know thats an oxymoron).   Anyway, in doing some research, it seems they can be hard on tankmates.  Right now they are fairly small and I don't see anything out of ordinary.  When I do some tankswaping this summer, I'd like to get them into a tank with the right tankmates.  Any suggestions of relatively happy, colorful cichlids to go in with them?
Thanks
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: danielratti on March 28, 2013, 07:41:28 PM
I wouldn't do it because they are so mean. Sp.44 are best kept to tank alone.plus if you are aiming to breed them it would be easier because you will not have to worry about them becoming more aggressive to the other fish in the tank.

But if you must have something in there with them put some sort of julie or compressiceps in the tank with a lot of places to hide.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: LoveTheFishies on March 30, 2013, 10:11:18 AM
I wouldn't do it because they are so mean. Sp.44 are best kept to tank alone.plus if you are aiming to breed them it would be easier because you will not have to worry about them becoming more aggressive to the other fish in the tank.

But if you must have something in there with them put some sort of julie or compressiceps in the tank with a lot of places to hide.

Thanks, I'll have to watch them.  Either Put them in a separate tank or take them to the auction.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: Michael Zebrowski on March 30, 2013, 09:09:17 PM
Keeping Sp. 44's with larger, active fish will keep their aggression down.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: LoveTheFishies on March 30, 2013, 09:22:32 PM
Right now they are with fish that are the same size or larger.  Will probably move them in the next 3 months or so.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: Ron on March 31, 2013, 07:50:20 AM
I've kept/bred Hap sp. #44 and wouldn't consider them highly aggressive. IMO they are like any moderately aggressive mbuna and I would keep them with tank mates as such.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: LoveTheFishies on March 31, 2013, 08:39:31 AM
I've kept/bred Hap sp. #44 and wouldn't consider them highly aggressive. IMO they are like any moderately aggressive mbuna and I would keep them with tank mates as such.

Can you give me a couple of examples Ron?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: Ron on March 31, 2013, 10:36:45 AM
Can you give me a couple of examples Ron?  Thanks.
Sure. FWIW, I'd suggest a 48"+ tank at the minimum for long term success, larger being better.

Cynotilapia might be alright (afras)
Less aggressive Melanochromis species (johanni, cyaneorhabdos AKA "maingo" AKA "electric blue johanni")
Maylandia species (various zebras complexes, etc)
Labeotropheus species (trewavasae, fuelleborni)
Remaining "Pseudotropheus" species (elongatus, demasoni, socolofi)

With the exception of the Pseudotropheus dumping ground of nearly all mbuna once upon a time, I'd only pick 1 from any given genus to help avoid crossbreeding.
Title: Re: Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44
Post by: LoveTheFishies on March 31, 2013, 11:03:43 AM
Can you give me a couple of examples Ron?  Thanks.
Sure. FWIW, I'd suggest a 48"+ tank at the minimum for long term success, larger being better.

Cynotilapia might be alright (afras)
Less aggressive Melanochromis species (johanni, cyaneorhabdos AKA "maingo" AKA "electric blue johanni")
Maylandia species (various zebras complexes, etc)
Labeotropheus species (trewavasae, fuelleborni)
Remaining "Pseudotropheus" species (elongatus, demasoni, socolofi)

With the exception of the Pseudotropheus dumping ground of nearly all mbuna once upon a time, I'd only pick 1 from any given genus to help avoid crossbreeding.

Thanks